Juneteenth is a newer holiday for Annapolitans, but Emancipation Day, as some people call it, has been celebrated in Texas for 157 years. Juneteenth derives its name from combining June and nineteenth; it is celebrated on the anniversary of the order, issued by Major General Gordon Granger on June 19, 1865, proclaiming freedom for slaves in Texas.
The first Annapolis Juneteenth celebration took place in 2021 thanks to the efforts of Phyllis “Tee” Adams, a local visionary, who brought the Juneteenth celebration to life. “Juneteenth 2021 was the direct result of a vision God gave me one night. I awoke and told my husband about the vision. I saw what appeared to be an overwhelming crowd of people coming together in Annapolis, MD for a festival. The word that God gave me was simply ‘Juneteenth’.” Although officially designated a commemorative day by the State of Maryland as National Freedom Day in 2014, Ms. Adams and others worked with County Executive Steuart Pittman and the county council to officially designate June 19th a holiday in Anne Arundel County in 2021.
Last year, the celebration drew more than 12,000 people for a two-day event filled with parties, parades, music and more. This year, the Annapolis Juneteenth celebration will kick-off on June 17th at 12:00 PM with a parade starting by Annapolis City Dock at the Susan Campbell Park. The celebration continues after the parade at The Bates Athletic Complex on Spa Road with Battle of the Bands, live music performances, entertainment and loads of vendors! The day will end with a display of fireworks at 9:15 PM.
Please check out the official website for a list of artists, schedules, parking and more.
There is no cost of admission. Mark your calendars today!
For more info: https://www.theannapolisjuneteenth.org/
By Jeff Peri, Contributor
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