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In summer 2001, Sacramento’s Juneteenth festival joined the ranks of other American cities to celebrate, as well as educate the community on one of America’s most important acts of legislation, the Emancipation Proclamation. Signed into law in 1863, the Emancipation Proclamation declared that all those enslaved were now free. Sacramento’s Juneteenth: A Celebration of Freedom Weekend is produced by the Sacramento Convention & Visitors Bureau under the direction of Gary Simon, Director of Multicultural Affairs, with the assistance of the Juneteenth Committee, a group of dedicated local residents who volunteer their time and energy to produce a successful and ever-growing event.
The Sacramento Juneteenth Festival takes place at William Land Park on the third weekend in June each year. It is a two-day event beginning with a Friday night concert “Gospel Under the Stars” followed by the Saturday festival featuring three stages of live entertainment, including bands, dancers, poets, playwrights, children's area, food and ware vendors, educational components and much more. Nearly 8,000 people attend Juneteenth annually.
HISTORY OF JUNETEENTH
On January 1, 1863, President Lincoln issued his official Emancipation Proclamation, which contrary to popular belief did not immediately free a single slave. The President had no power against the Constitution, and the USA was, and still is, governed by the rule of law. However, the Emancipation Proclamation had two effects. First, it disrupted agricultural economies as slaves fled the plantations, and second, it contributed to the collapse of the Confederate states. Without support from the British and French, the Confederacy collapsed on April 9, 1865 when General Robert E. Lee surrendered to General Ulysses S. Grant. The remaining Confederate armies surrendered later in the month. Only five days after the collapse on April 14, President Lincoln was shot and then died the following day.
On June 19, 1865, the Union soldiers led by Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas announcing the war had ended, and all those enslaved were now free! From that moment in Galveston, the observance of June 19th as the African American Emancipation Day had spread across the United States and beyond. Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States.
At long last the rule of law was changed. On December 6, 1865, the 13th Amendment’s completion of ratification prohibiting slavery to the U.S. Bill of Rights was implemented.
Today, Juneteenth’s national celebrations focus on African American freedom while encouraging self-development and respect for all cultures. In recent years, an increasing number of Juneteenth organizations have risen to take their place alongside older organizations with the mission to promote and cultivate knowledge and appreciation of African American history and heritage. As they continue to take on a more national and even global perspective, the events of 1865 in Texas are not only remembered, but celebrated.
Please join the Sacramento Convention & Visitors Bureau for a weekend of celebration to be remembered for a lifetime. All ages and cultures will be entertained and inspired by the sights, sounds, tastes, and activities of our regional African American communities. Celebrate with us!
For more information contact Gary R. Simon, Director, Multicultural Affairs Department
Sacramento Convention & Visitors Bureau, 1608 "I" Street, Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone (916) 808-8983 Fax (916) 808-8964 gsimon@cityofsacramento.org
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For more information contact
Gary Simon
at 916-808-8983 or
gsimon@cityofsacramento.org |
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June 21 - 22, 2008
William Land Park
Saturday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Sunday 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Free Admission
Featuring:
Two Stages of Live Entertainment
Vendors
Children's Area
Fishing Derby
Fine Art
History Contest
Poster Contest
Essay Contest
Juneteenth Educational Theatre
Black Theater Performances
Golf Tournament
Gospel Extravaganza
Presentation of "Juneteenth Community Soldier Awards"
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