It is the second year Juneteenth, a holiday commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African-Americans, was nationally recognized.
Juneteenth was Sunday, and local leaders came together in celebration of freedom at the Martin Luther King Center on Saturday. The Black History Gallery organized the event.
Dr. Dorothy V. Smith discussed the history of Juneteenth. She said some call it Independence Day, Freedom Day and Emancipation Day.
“Whatever the title is, it’s the day that’s celebrated because of the ending of slavery in Galveston, Texas,” she said.
Smith said President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, but that did not officially free the slaves.
“The Emancipation Proclamation is a symbolic document. It’s symbolic because it really didn’t free anybody, but it did set a path in a different direction that the nation would follow,” she said.
Smith said Lincoln did use the government’s power to free slaves, but the states still in rebellion had formed their own government where Jefferson Davis was President.
“They didn’t care what Lincoln said, but Lincoln did have enough power and authority to free slaves in the border states that were still a part of the union,” she said. “But he tightened laws in the border states because he was fearful that they, too, would join the Confederate states.”
Smith said Juneteenth has been celebrated since the Confederates surrendered in 1865.
State Rep. Daryl Porter of Summit said there were economic, social and political opportunities to advance generational wealth, but then Jim Crow laws, state and local statutes adopted in the late 1800s, that legalized racial segregation, made things tougher for African-Americans.
Porter said systemic racism has been a problem for African-Americans.
“It’s (systemic racism) got many different definitions that also has many different titles,” he said. “Our national NAACP President Derrick Johnson defines systemic racism — also known as structural racism, institutional racism — as systems and structures that have procedures and processes that disadvantage African-Americans.”
Porter said healthcare, education and climate change have disproportionately impacted people of color. He stressed the importance of voting for candidates with the interest of all people who advocate for policies that work toward advancement for everyone.
“We must not forget the power of the ballot,” he said. “That is so essential.”
Black History Galley board member Celester Hall said Juneteenth was a celebration of freedom.
“We are free from slavery, so let’s commemorate the emancipation of enslaved people in America,” she said. “Let’s celebrate our freedom.”
McComb School Board member Lynn Martin read “Hush Harbor: Praying in Secret.” Young children were able to sit near the front to hear her. The book is about how in the early 19th century, enslaved Africans were not allowed to gather together in groups. That meant worshiping had to be in secret.
Daniela Barnes lit a candle in honor of all slaves.
The Walker’s Chapel Church male choir, the Baker children of Magnolia, Jada Thompson and Cornelius Magee all sang during the celebration.
