Hundreds celebrate freedom and learn more about Juneteenth at the King Arts Complex
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX/WTTE) — Hundreds of people gathered at the King Arts Complex Friday to celebrate Juneteenth. Black art, music, dance and businesses filled Mayme Moore Park from noon to 3 p.m.
Organizer and artistic cultural liaison Gamal Brown said he hopes people can take the opportunity to not only celebrate freedom, but learn more about the history of Juneteenth, as well as black culture.
"The importance of events like this is to share knowledge," Brown said. "We are orators and griots in our own community sharing history and culture."
On June 19, 1865 Union General Gordon Granger announced in Gavelston, Texas, the last remaining slaves were to be freed. This happened more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued by President Abraham Lincoln.
While Juneteenth has been celebrated by the black community for generations, it is also a day for others to learn and get involved.
"When we were growing up we didn't have a computer in our pocket," Jae Esquire said. "If you're spending 35 minutes a day on Facebook, you can take 10 minutes and google to learn about something you didn't know."
Organizers hope the learning and unity will continue beyond just one day.
