- April 25, 2024
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The Mount Calvary Baptist Church liturgical dancers performed a routine from 1 Kings 19:11-13. Photo by Jeff Dawsey
The Juneteenth celebration ended with a community dance. Photo by Jeff Dawsey
The First AME Church of Palm Coast youth choir displayed their talents through song. Photo by Jeff Dawsey
Just4U Productions performed a theatrical episode of a grandmother telling her granddaughter the story of Juneteenth. Photo by Jeff Dawsey
Margery Alexis sang Ella Fitzgerald's "Blue Skies." Photo by Jeff Dawsey
Mayor Milissa Holland read the proclamation to enact Juneteenth for Saturday, June 17. Photo by Jeff Dawsey
Everyone in attendance recited the Negro National Anthem. Photo by Jeff Dawsey
The Supremacy Dancers danced to Michael Jackson's "Man of the Mirror." Photo by Jeff Dawsey
Terance received a standing ovation from most in the crowd with his spoken word titled "Black Music Matters." Photo by Jeff Dawsey
Shawn Welcome received finger snaps for his spoken word "Not Working." Photo by Jeff Dawsey
Alexis sang "Wind Beneath My Wings" Photo by Jeff Dawsey
Mistress of Ceremony Jessica Crockett Photo by Jeff Dawsey
Master of Ceremony Kedron Abbott Photo by Jeff Dawsey
The African American Cultural Society held its annual Juneteenth celebration Saturday, June 17, at its center at 4422 N. US 1.
The name "Juneteenth" is a combination of June and the 19th, which represent the day in 1865 when the last slaves in America (Galveston, Texas) were freed. On the day, Union Gen. Gordon Granger — standing with 2,000 federal troops to aid if necessary — announced the emancipation of slaves, due to General Order No. 3, which read:
"The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of personal rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and hired labor. The freedmen are advised to remain quietly at their present homes and work for wages. They are informed that they will not be allowed to collect at military posts and that they will not be supported in idleness either there or elsewhere."
Juneteenth has become either a state or ceremonial holiday in 45 of the 50 U.S. states.
AACS is seeking interested residents to join its organization. For more information, call 447-7030.
