This particular celebration was a last minute idea that Drea Smith and Vanessa Fuller came up with while sitting at a friend’s house. Drea closed her eyes and reflected on the Juneteenth celebrations she had attended in Denver, Colorado and ran down a list of things she saw at the event. Vanessa looked at her and said, “We could do that here.” And here we are, despite the stresses, trials and tribulations it takes to throw an event this size, hosting our 3rd annual event.
A special shout out to those who helped us get this far! We wouldn’t have made it to another year without the help, knowledge, sweat, and energy from some amazing people in our community ❤️
Juneteenth is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the emancipation of African-American slaves. It is also often observed for celebrating African-American culture. Originating in Galveston, Texas, it has been celebrated annually on June 19 in various parts of the United States since 1865. The day was recognized as a federal holiday on June 17, 2021, when President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law. Juneteenth’s commemoration is on the anniversary date of the June 19, 1865, announcement of General Order No. 3 by Union Army general Gordon Granger, proclaiming freedom for slaves in Texas, which was the last state of the Confederacy with institutional slavery
Eugene Juneteenth 