It was not until Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 1865, that the state’s residents finally learned that slavery had been abolished. This was two years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863 which declared more than three million enslaved persons living in the Confederate states to be free. The former enslaved residents of Galveston immediately began to celebrate with prayer, feasting, song, and dance. This was the beginning of Juneteenth.
join us in Park Square for:
- A reading of the IMPORTANT ORDERS BY GEN. GRANGER.
- A present-day response to the Order read by a Youth Branch member
- Melodious songs and music of Wanda Houston and D.J. Champ
- Presentation of scholarships and stipends to high school graduates provided by R.O.P.E. and the BCB NAACP
Parking: parking is available in Downtown Pittsfield on the street and in several public lots. Parking is free on the weekends.
Accessibility: the event is at Park Square and there are paved sidewalks and pathways, benches for sitting, and trees for shade.
Restrooms: there are no public restrooms at Park Square.