Greensboro's African American Community Newspaper since 1967
Greensboro residents were out in full swing last weekend as they attended multiple celebrations across the city commemorating Juneteenth. On June 19, 1865, some 2,000 Union troops led by General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas, and announced that the more than 250,000 enslaved Black people in the state, were free by executive decree. This day came to be known as “Juneteenth,” by the newly freed people in Texas.
Today, Juneteenth is widely recognized and celebrated nationwide in 47 states and the District of Columbia. The Greensboro City Council unanimously approved Juneteenth as a paid holiday for city employees in 2021.
The Juneteenth GSO Committee, sponsored by the City of Greensboro, supported a variety of events the weekend of June 14 – June 16, in celebration of Juneteenth, which is officially celebrated annually on June 19.
On Friday, the Arts Legacy Awards, celebrating African American artistry took place at the Van Dyke Performance Space. Saturday featured the Uptown Greensboro Arts & Crafts Festival at Sternberger Park, followed by the Juneteenth Black Food Truck Festival at LeBauer Park and Center City Park, featuring craft vendors, food, activities and live performances. On Sunday, music lovers were able to attend a Gospel Superfest: Interfaith Celebration at Barber Park.
