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Juneteenth Celebration Program Cover
Juneteenth Celebration Program Cover

Juneteenth Celebration

A celebration of the anniversary of June 19, 1865, the day Texas received word that President Lincoln had freed the slaves -- over two years after his Emancipation Proclamation was issued. On June 3, 1979, Texas was the first state to proclaim Emancipation Day (Juneteenth) an official state holiday. Although informal Juneteenth celebrations in Ft. Worth date back to the late 19th century, Juneteenth has been observed in the city with an official celebration since 1979. Citizens Concerned with Human Dignity, a Ft. Worth charitable organization whose primary focus is providing for needy minority citizens of the city, currently sponsors the Juneteenth Celebration. Parades, picnics, musical performances, the crowning of a "Miss Juneteenth," historical presentations, fireworks, employment and health fairs are included in the festivities. Project documentation comprises a narrative, a booklet, Juneteenth Ft. Worth, 1880-1999  , newspaper coverage, several Juneteenth Celebration programs, photos with descriptions, a videotape entitled "Juneteenth, A Celebration Remembered," and a celebration banner.

Originally submitted by: Martin Frost, Representative (24th District).



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The Local Legacies project provides a "snapshot" of American Culture as it was expressed in spring of 2000. Consequently, it is not being updated with new or revised information with the exception of "Related Website" links.

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