VALDOSTA On June 19, 1865, Union Gen. Gordon Granger and 2,000 federal troops marched into Galveston, Texas, to take possession of the state and enforce the emancipation of its slaves.

President Abraham Lincoln had issued the famed Emancipation Proclamation two years earlier, but it wasnt until Granger arrived in Texas that the law was fully enforced in all parts of the South

June 19 has been a celebration of freedom ever since. Known as Juneteenth and observed all across the country, it is the oldest known celebration commemorating the end of slavery in the United States.

Saturday, residents gathered at the courthouse square in downtown Valdosta to join in on the celebration with Community Awareness Day.

The event featured a festival-like atmosphere, including fun activities, comfort food and sweet treats, dance performances, proclamations from Valdosta and Lowndes County officials and the chance to learn about local organizations.

Dr. Beverly Richardson-Blake, a coordinator of the event, said the day was all about imparting knowledge and promoting unity.

Juneteenth sometimes referred to as the African-American Fourth of July has been celebrated locally for the past 25 years, but many still dont know its history.

Debbie Smith had a tent set up at the event and was selling a little of this and a little of that: clothes, purses, jewelry, even fidget spinners, the hottest new toy.

Smith, 35, is African-American but said she never knew what Juneteenth actually celebrated until recently. She always thought it was just a fun summer holiday.

It wasnt until last year when a friend told her of the days historic and meaningful beginnings. As kids played in a colorful bounce house nearby, Smith said its important to teach people the important history of Juneteenth at a young age.

Richardson-Blake agreed, saying Community Awareness Day was meant to help people understand the meaning of Juneteenth and its significance in the community.

It is a day of freedom, she said as Walking on Sunshine by Katrina & The Waves blared across the square. I think back to my ancestors, some of the difficulties that they went through. While were not faced with all of those today, there are still some struggles that we need to overcome.

So were still working in that direction of becoming free. Its a critical holiday. Its good to look back and see how far we have come and then look ahead and see how much farther we have to go.

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Commemorating Freedom: Community celebrates Juneteenth - Valdosta Daily Times