TALLAHASSEE, FL (WTXL) --
Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration commemorating the ending of slavery in the United States.
Two and a half years after The Emancipation Proclamation, the Union Soldiers landed in Texas with news that the enslaved were now free. This day, June 19th, 1865, is coined "Juneteenth". It changed the future for all African American's.
Until recently, Elton Burgest says he didn't know anything about the day. Burgest says, "As an African American artist who makes art about being black in American, and the harsh realities and the complications that comes with that, I felt like me not knowing the day the slaves were officially free in the United States was shameful."
Now, he's spreading the word about the annual celebration. Former slaves and descendants would gather, pray, and celebrate the challenges they've overcome with activities, food and art. These days, Juneteenth celebrates African American freedom and achievement, as well as respect for all cultures. This symbolic day plants it's roots in history, continuously growing as a national day of pride and self-development.
The National Juneteenth Registry says, the number of cities and states creating committees to educate the community continues to increase. Burgest says, "Things change for the better and things are going to continue on that path for the better." The future of Juneteenth looks bright in promoting knowledge and appreciation of African American history and culture.
