The president of the Bartholomew County Area Chapter of the NAACP offers a simple message for those who know little or nothing about something called Juneteenth.
Relax. She never heard of it either while growing up in the largely-black population of Memphis, Tennessee, where she attended all-black schools.
“I never knew anything about it until I moved to Columbus,” Stella Collins said.
She now knows enough about slavery’s official end that she is among key organizers of the 14th annual free Juneteenth celebration from 4 to 7 p.m. June 16 on Fourth Street in downtown Columbus. The day was first celebrated in 1865, when Texas became the last Confederate state to free its slaves, three years after the Emancipation Proclamation.
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Last year’s gathering drew about 200 downtown, according to Collins. She mentioned she’d like to see even more people, stressing that the event, featuring food for purchase and a disc jockey, is meant for all races and ages. A scavenger hunt is planned for youngsters.
Plaques detailing black history that were placed at last year’s celebration have been enhanced with pictures this year, said Shirley Trapp, co-chair of the event committee. Trapp said organizers believe the later time for this year’s event will help overcome one hurdle from last year’s gathering, which began at 1 p.m., to capitalize on some Columbus Farmers Market vendors who also were a part of Juneteenth.
“The heat was almost unbearable,” Trapp said.
Food vendors this year include those selling fish, chicken and tenderloin.
Local NAACP members have said the last few years that they see Juneteenth as far more than a look back at freedom’s beginnings. They mentioned that they clearly view it partly as a way to celebrate diversity in general and black culture in particular.
They have mentioned that people of various races have little or no knowledge that the fight against slavery continued even after the law that made it illegal.
“Juneteenth and the NAACP are still very important today,” Collins said, adding that national racial tension should heighten the profile of such organizations and events. “We cannot lose sight of what we stand for. We still face plenty of important (racial) issues. It’s just that we aim to resolve them a little differently today instead of marching (as in the past).”
Also, local blacks in the past few years have stressed that America’s independence traced to 1776 sometimes has a hollow ring to them when they recall that their ancestors were slaves in the nation. Collins mentioned that while black slavery no longer exists in America, racism remains.
“Truthfully, I never have really felt racism was completely gone,” she said. “I think it was just slightly hidden under the surface. People were a little more afraid to be so vocal about it.
“Today, maybe since a change in the (nation’s) administration, some people apparently feel more bold and confident and upfront about the idea that they no longer have to hide it,” Collins added.
Trapp stressed that America’s black history should never be segregated from other parts of the United States’ background.
“Juneteenth is important to the overall history of America,” Trapp said. “And we must remember that we all are bonded together in America for the overall benefit of mankind.”
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What: Fourteenth annual local celebration of Juneteenth, marking the official end of slavery in the United States, nearly three full years after the Emancipation Proclamation.
When: 4 to 7 p.m. June 16.
Where: Fourth Street in downtown Columbus.
Admission: Free, but a charge for food.
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