Sarah Warrender | The Valdosta Daily TimesLunch was served and conversation shared as part of the 26th Annual Juneteenth Celebration, presented by Southside Library Boosters Saturday.

VALDOSTA — Residents gathered downtown to observe the ring of freedom with music, dancing, spoken word and food.

As a part of the 26th Annual Juneteenth Celebration, the Southside Library Booster hosted a community awareness day to educate the community on the importance of Juneteenth Saturday at the Historic Lowndes County Courthouse square, said Beverly Richardson-Blake, chair of the booster club.

Juneteenth is an observation of abolition of the last slaves in the United States on June 19, 1865, in Texas.

Several residents spoke about the importance of Juneteenth.

“Today, we celebrate the 153rd anniversary of Juneteenth — yes, it’s been that long even though it’s our 26th annual celebration,” said Treva Gear, candidate for Georgia House District 175. “This day is also known as National Freedom Day and Emancipation Day.”

Gear said Juneteenth is also a day “we shall never forget.”

“It is a day to reflect, because in order to move forward, we must know our past, acknowledge our present and take action to maintain our freedom in the future,” she said.

DeMarcus Marshall, Lowndes County commissioner, spoke about the importance of remembering Juneteenth because slavery is a sordid part of American history, and knowing past abridgments of civil rights and liberties is necessary for protecting those rights and liberties in the future. 

“Let’s be honest with ourselves. This day is about a not so good part of our history, but if you really think about it, it goes back to communication and what we as a people must do to keep moving forward,” Marshall said. “Because when I think about what took place, it wasn’t until the 1940s to 1970s time frame when what we call the Great Migration took place. That is where they chose to leave Texas, Louisiana and those states that condoned those racist and Jim Crow activities.”

Along with the education about Juneteenth, the community awareness day included several community agencies, Richardson-Blake said.

“We want to educate the community,” Richardson-Blake said. “We try to make it like a big family reunion atmosphere, and try to make it informational for everyone and for the community itself.”

Jason Smith is a reporter at The Valdosta Daily Times. He can be contacted at 229-244-3400 ext.1257.