By Sarah Mahan

The Selma Times-Journal

 

The Ancient Africa, Enslavement and Civil War Museum and the Selma Interpretive Center invite residents to commemorate the release of millions of African Americans from slavery’s bonds.

The organizations’ Juneteenth Freedom Celebration, held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, June 15 at Phoenix Park on Water Avenue, will include, music, dancing and several children’s activities.

“[Residents] are invited to share in fellowship and festivities as our community gathers to commemorate on of the most important moments in our nation’s history-emancipation,” the Juneteenth news release said.

Although the Civil War ended April 1865, emancipation was not complete in the United States. General Gordon Granger issued General Order 3 in Texas on June 19, 1865. The order successfully executed what the Emancipation Proclamation intended by officially ending slavery in that part of the country.

Juneteenth commemorates the release of approximately four million people from the bonds of slavery. The event will feature dances and stories based on African American folktales by Unity Capoeira of Montgomery and Renee Goodall of the Journey to the Center of the Arts.

This event, celebrating history, freedom, education and achievement, is free and open to the public. For more information contact the Selma Interpretive Center at 334-872-0509.