March 19, 2024

Save the Date for Juneteenth Celebration

Juneteenth
Juneteenth Emancipation Day celebration on June 19, 1900, in Texas. (Austin, TX, Public Library’s The Portal to Texas History photo)

The Unified Committee for Afro-American Contributions is excited to host its annual Juneteenth African-American heritage celebration on June 17 in Lexington Park.

Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African-Americans in the US. The name is derived from combining “June” and “nineteenth.” The day is celebrated on the anniversary of the order issued on June 19, 1865, proclaiming freedom for slaves in Texas.

Juneteenth

Entertainers, Vendors Sought

“Each year we expand and grow with new sponsors, vendors, entertainment and attendees from the community,” local organizers write on the group’s website. “We do our absolute best to provide enough seating and covered areas, but we do encourage you to bring your own lawn chair. We provide local entertainers an opportunity to showcase their music. We welcome all sorts of music entertainment in celebration of the African-American heritage.”

Those interested in providing entertainment should contact the group at the link provided above.

The event is possible due to the continuous support from local businesses and organizations. Please consider supporting the event by vending, taking out an ad in the day’s program booklet, or making an in-kind donation.

Also, free open houses for visitors and the community will be offered at the Drayden African American Schoolhouse in Drayden from 11am to 2pm June 17, 18 and 19 (special Juneteenth weekend hours).

The Drayden African American Schoolhouse is one of the nation’s best-preserved one-room African-American schoolhouses, and its story represents a significant part of St. Mary’s County’s African American history. Visitors are invited to learn more about the restored schoolhouse, its history and importance to education in St. Mary’s County. Hear the real stories about how African American students learned in this school up until the mid-20th century.

Volunteers will be available on site during the open houses to share stories about the schoolhouse’s history with visitors. All ages are welcome, and admission is free.

The schoolhouse is at 18287 Cherryfield Road.

The open houses are offered through a partnership with the St. Mary’s County Museum Division and the Unified Committee for Afro-American Contributions.

Most of the volunteers who staff the open houses are members of the UCAC.

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