Today was the kickoff of the annual Spirit of Emancipation celebration.
This 10-day celebration leads up to Juneteenth.
Juneteenth commemorates the freedom of slaves in Texas on June 19, 1865, two and a half years after Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation.
The Juneteenth Coalition reflects on the achievements of African-Americans from slavery to the present.
“Well, actually remembering where you come from really helps you to appreciate the present,” said Hannah Carter, chair of the Juneteenth Coalition Committee. “And not that we dwell so much on the past, but we certainly need to remember it and that way we can really appreciate the progress that we have made.”
There will be free events over the next 10 days to the mark the occasion, including an evening of art and culture tomorrow night at Coles High School.
