We are excited to celebrate our 4th Juneteenth Celebration. This event is a continuation of celebrating Freedom Day in Appomattox. Appomattox has a unique connection to Juneteenth. On April 9, 1865 the 4600 enslaved people were the first to be freed. It is only fitting that we celebrate the last of the enslaved people being freed in Galveston, TX on June 19, 1865. This is a free and family-friendly event that combines history, celebration, and community. One of first speakers at Juneteenth stated that Roscoe Simmons, who is the nephew of Booker T. Washington, was a columnist for the historical Black newspaper Chicago Tribune wrote in 1924 that slavery began and ended in Virginia, and viewed Appomattox as a place of salvation for African-Americans. This salvation was created by the surrender at Appomattox County House on April 9th 1865 which is also known as Freedom Day for African Americans, which provided them with emancipation, freedom, and pride. However, not all enslaved people were aware of their freedom like the enslaved people of Appomattox. The enslaved people of Texas did not receive this announcement until June 19th, 1865. So, on Juneteenth we are not just remembering the announcement of Emancipation in Galveston Texas, but the end of slavery as an institution in the United States.
Appomattox, VA 24522
United States