Organizers of the Juneteenth Celebration in Pulaski continue planning for the June 19 event and plan to meet with city officials about having adequate security.
The Giles County Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People will sponsor the event on Sunday, June 19 from 3-8 p.m., at W.D. Savage Park, also known as North End Park, 116 Thomas St., Pulaski.
The Juneteenth celebration is an official holiday in the city of Pulaski.
“Celebrate Black Independence Day with speakers, entertainment, vendors, games, dancing and more,” organizers said, in a press release.
“Food will be available for purchase, but attendees are encouraged to bring their grills, pop-up tents, picnic blankets and chairs as we celebrate Juneteenth, a national holiday observing the end of slavery in the United States.”
For more information about attending or participating as a vendor or performer, visit the Giles County NAACP Facebook page, call 931-347-7755 or 931-309-1161.
While slaves in the South were freed effective Jan. 1, 1863 with the issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation by President Abraham Lincoln.
The last slaves were freed in Texas on June 19,1865 when Major General Gordon Granger came with 2,000 Union troops to officially announce their freedom.
In connection with the Juneteenth Celebration, a Juneteenth Service will be held by Round Hill AME Church at Wolf Gap, 278 Tarpley Sharp Road, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., June 18.
Speakers at the May 31 Giles County NAACP meeting favored a visible law enforcement presence at W. D. Savage Park for Juneteenth activities.
“I think we need all the police protection they can offer,” Fordie Franklin, an NAACP member, said.
The local chapter also is considering having some of its own security, though if there is a problem, “it’s not going to be on our end,” Benita Cross, another NAACP member, said.
Advice and direction would be sought from city officials, some of those at the meeting, said.
In other business:
• Max Trotter, an NAACP member, said he was disappointed with the low turnout at activities commemorating Memorial Day and urged those present to work to encourage more attendance at future similar activities.
• NAACP member Hardin Franklin reported on economic development. Giles County’s jobless rate for the latest reporting period was 3/3 and no county in Tennessee had a rate above 5 percent.
• Early voting runs from July 15-30 for the Aug. 4 State and Federal Primary and State and County General Election.
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