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Juneteenth
#JuneteenthRoswell
The City of Roswell's Recreation, Parks, Historic and Cultural Affairs, in partnership with Roswell Roots, presents Roswell Celebrates Juneteenth. A series of events and programs will take place starting Friday, June 17 and run through the weekend, ending on Sunday, June 19.
Juneteenth commemorates the effective end of slavery in the United States. Juneteenth (short for “June Nineteenth”) marks the day when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas in 1865 to take control of the state and ensure that all enslaved people be freed. Juneteenth was originally celebrated in Texas, on June 19, 1866. It marked the first anniversary of the day that African Americans there first learned of the Emancipation Proclamation, more than two years after it was initially issued. In 2021 Juneteenth was made a federal holiday in celebration and recognition of the end of slavery and to honor the culture and achievements of African Americans.
Juneteenth commemorates the effective end of slavery in the United States. Juneteenth (short for “June Nineteenth”) marks the day when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas in 1865 to take control of the state and ensure that all enslaved people be freed. Juneteenth was originally celebrated in Texas, on June 19, 1866. It marked the first anniversary of the day that African Americans there first learned of the Emancipation Proclamation, more than two years after it was initially issued. In 2021 Juneteenth was made a federal holiday in celebration and recognition of the end of slavery and to honor the culture and achievements of African Americans.
Juneteenth Events Calendar
Historic Juneteenth
- Date: 06/19/2022 5:00 PM
- Location: Roswell Presbyterian Church
755 Mimosa Blvd
Roswell, Georgia 30075 - Introduction: at Roswell Presbyterian Church
Join us for an evening of history, performance, reflection, and community gathering to be held at Roswell Presbyterian Church. There are two program opportunities to choose from.
Itinerary
- 5:00 PM: For those wishing to dive into history and discussion, two special monologue dramatizations will be presented. Back by popular demand, actor John Doyle portrays a man reflecting on the lives and experiences of the enslaved people of Roswell, from their shared history in coastal Georgia to their daily lives before, during, and after the Civil War. He touches on themes of the interconnected lives of all people and how enslaved people tried to maintain agency over their own lives.
Marlon Burnley, Director of Out of Hand Theater, will present a dramatic monologue highlighting the Atlanta Race Riot and Massacre that spurred four days of violence in late September, 1906. Using performance art and history as conduits of connection, this performance will provide somber reflection on the ongoing struggle of race and community we still experience today while also celebrating progress made. Program is recommended for teens and adults.
- 6:00 PM: All are invited to join us for a community potluck meal! If you would like to attend, meet a community neighbor, learn a new recipe and enjoy a meal. Program is free to the public but with the entry fee being either a covered dish or dessert, along with the recipe to share! Roswell Presbyterian Church will provide the drinks. Please register by emailing Dena Bush at dbush@roswellgov.com and for further information with instructions. We will print off your recipe for you to make it easy!
- 6:30 PM: We will celebrate Juneteenth in an uplifting way with dance and rhythm.
Djoli Kelen Inc. is an interactive drum and dance performance incorporating traditional dances and music from West Africa and an engaging lesson on how it all connects to the present. This is a celebration of emancipation of enslaved Africans and African Americans who carried and passed down their culture from generation to generation.
Roswell, Recreation, Parks, Historic and Cultural Affairs acknowledges the importance of African American contributions and the greater meaning behind planning a brighter future for all citizens. We welcome all backgrounds and cultures to join us in celebration with music, dance, an annual card party, and more!
