Despite early morning showers, the Juneteenth Freedom Festival went on as planned Friday at the African-American Cultural Center. Juneteenth, which is officially observed on June 19, commemorates the day Union soldiers, led by Maj. General Gordon Granger, arrived in Galveston, Texas, two years after the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863 and freed Texas’ slaves. On Jan. 1, 1980, Juneteenth became a state holiday in Texas, making it the first emancipation celebration granted official state recognition. Mother Nature may have moved informational and educational exhibits on African-American culture inside, but outside was filled with food, fun and games, despite the soggy conditions. Attendance numbers were lower than expected due to the weather conditions, but by the time the celebration ended, more than 300 people had attended. Tanya Chapman, interim coordinator for African-American Student Affairs, said she was touched at the number of people who were eager to find out about the event’s history and came out in the midst of bad weather to learn. “This is something where you can teach people things about their culture they don’t know,” she said. Chapman also said Juneteenth is a great time for people to get acquainted with African-American culture. “It’s a time to recognize tradition, culture and to get educated about something you may not know about,” she said. She said celebrating advances made by any minority group, regardless of race or gender, is something that should be observed not only by that group, but by everyone. Chapman said with so much diversity at the University, it’s vital for students to remain open to the ideals and culture of others, and that’s another reason Juneteenth should be celebrated by everyone. “If you want somebody to understand you, you must reach out and understand them,” she said. The AACC’s Juneteenth celebration was not the only one held in the Baton Rouge area; similar events took place in cities such as Port Allen and Donaldsonville, Louisiana. Jamaal Hollis, psychology sophomore, said he attended the event because it offered the chance to spend some time with members of the community. “I came to participate in something that brings the community together,” he said. Jasmine Shell, chemistry sophomore, said her reason for attending the celebration was simple. “It brings people closer together,” she said.
Contact Tyler Batiste at [email protected]