Introduction
Marietta Juneteenth is an annual event that celebrates the end of slavery in the United States. It is held on June 19th every year and is a time for African Americans to reflect on their history and achievements. The first Marietta Juneteenth celebration was held in 2016, and it has since become a significant event in the city’s calendar. This article will explore Marietta Juneteenth from its inception in 2016 to its projected celebrations in 2023.
The Origins of Juneteenth
Juneteenth is a combination of the words June and nineteenth and marks the day when Union soldiers landed in Galveston, Texas, and informed enslaved African Americans that they were free. This was two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed, and the news had not reached Texas. The day has become synonymous with the end of slavery in the United States and is celebrated across the country.
Marietta Juneteenth 2016
The first Marietta Juneteenth celebration was held on June 18th, 2016, at the Marietta Square. It was organized by a group of community members who wanted to create an event that celebrated the end of slavery and African American culture. The day was filled with music, food, and entertainment, and it attracted a significant crowd. The organizers hoped that it would become an annual event in the city.
Marietta Juneteenth 2017-2020
After the success of the first Marietta Juneteenth celebration, the event became an annual fixture in the city’s calendar. Each year, the event grew bigger and better, with more performers, vendors, and attendees. In 2019, the event was held at the Marietta Square and featured a parade, live music, and food trucks. The COVID-19 pandemic forced the cancellation of the 2020 event, but plans were already underway for the 2021 celebration.
Marietta Juneteenth 2021-2023
The 2021 Marietta Juneteenth celebration was held on June 19th at the Marietta Square. The event featured live music, vendors, and food trucks, and attracted a significant crowd. The organizers took precautions to ensure the safety of attendees during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The event was such a success that plans are already underway for the 2023 celebration, which promises to be even bigger and better than previous years.
Marietta Juneteenth 2023 and Beyond
As Marietta Juneteenth continues to grow in popularity, plans are already underway for future celebrations. The organizers hope to make it a week-long event that celebrates African American culture and history. They are also exploring the possibility of incorporating educational programs and workshops to help educate the community about the significance of Juneteenth. The future of Marietta Juneteenth looks bright, and it promises to be an event that the city will look forward to every year.
Conclusion
Marietta Juneteenth is a celebration of freedom and African American culture. It is a time for reflection and appreciation of the progress made by African Americans since the end of slavery in the United States. The event has grown from a small community celebration in 2016 to a significant event in the city’s calendar. As plans are already underway for future celebrations, the future of Marietta Juneteenth looks bright.