Juneteenth Program Records, 1989-1998

Juneteenth is the celebration of the emancipation of Texas slaves, who were formally notified of their freedom on June 19, 1865. Although Congress abolished slavery in the District of Columbia in April and the territories in June of 1862, it took over two years for the news to reach Texas. The celebration of freedom demonstrates the richness of African American culture and a strong spirit of community. Since 1865, Juneteenth has been celebrated in communities throughout the country with a variety of activities, including picnics, parades, music, speeches, dancing, rodeos and baseball. In 1989, the Anacostia Museum began hosting a Juneteenth celebration, which typically included speeches, musical and dance performances, children's activities, and arts and crafts demonstrations.