Ouachita Stories

On June 19, a day of reflection will occur as we observe the most recent federal holiday to be established, Juneteenth. The term, a combination of June and nineteenth, was born to give the event a sense of endearment and personal gratitude for those who had been enslaved.  

If I could write a chapter for American history pertaining to Juneteenth, it would be entitled “Freedom Delayed.” While the Emancipation Proclamation became effective on January 1, 1863, it could not be implemented in those states still under Confederate control. Therefore, the last Confederate state to receive the announcement that slavery had ended was Texas.

The delay for freedom for the enslaved African Americans in Texas was two and a half years. It would take another 156 years for the recognition through a national holiday to become official on June 17, 2021.

Local community events in celebration of Juneteenth will be held at Feaster Park and the Community Family Enrichment Center. They are listed below, and the entire community is invited to attend. 

Friday, June 13^th

• Kickball Tournament – 8:00 p.m.

Saturday, June 14^th

• Softball Tournament – 8:00 a.m.
• Celebration Program – 10:00 a.m.
• Barbeque Cookoff

For more information about this weekend’s events, email [email protected].

 

Dr. Lewis Shepherd is vice president for community & intercultural engagement at Ouachita.

 

 

Lead photo by Sarah Dean

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