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First box of Twin Worlds received and ready for sale!
Juneteenth this year is being celebrated in Lancaster Park on Willows Road in St. Mary’s County, right near the only monument in the nation to the United States Colored Troops who fought in the Civil War. Juneteenth originated as a celebration of the ending of slavery in Texas. While President Lincoln had signed the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863 freeing slaves in all states then in rebellion against the United States, it wasn’t until June 19, 1865, that Major General Gordon Granger and 1,800 troops of the Union Army arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced that the Civil War had ended and all slaves were free. On that very night “thousands of people in Galveston celebrated their freedom with dancing, singing, and feasting… On January 1, 1980, Juneteenth was designated an official state holiday in Texas…and became the first emancipation celebration granted official state recognition.” (From the UCAC website.)
Typical Juneteenth activities include picnics, parades, barbecues, ball games, and family reunions…Today, Juneteenth has taken on a more national perspective, celebrating African American freedom while encouraging self-development and respect for all cultures.
For more on Juneteenth, visit Juneteenth.com or the Unified Committee for Afro-American Contributions, at africanamericancontributions.com.
And I hope to see you in beautiful Lancaster Park this June 17th!
Thanks for all your support!
Sincerely,
F. J.
