May 26, 2017
CONTACT: Deane Bonner
Cobb NAACP
770-425-5757
The Cobb County Branch of the National Association of the Advancement of Colored People, along with Mayor Steven Tumlin and Marietta City School Board Member Jeriene Grimes will be hosting the 14th Annual Juneteenth Celebration.
The weekend of festive events will take place in Glover Park on the Square in Downtown Marietta. The event will kick-off on Friday night, June 16, 2017 with an “Evening Under the Stars” 6 PM – 11 PM; Saturday, June 17th - activities will be from 10 AM – 7 PM and we will close the celebration with a Gospel Fest on Sunday, June 18th from 3 PM – 7 PM.
Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration of the ending of Slavery. Dating back to 1865, it was June 19th that the union soldiers led by Major General Gordon Granger, landed at Galveston, Texas with news that the war had ended and that all slaves were free. This was two and a half years after President Lincoln had issued the Emancipation Proclamation. The celebration of June 19th was coined “Juneteenth” and grew with more participation from descendants. Juneteenth today celebrates African-American freedom while encouraging self-development and respect of ALL cultures.
We invite and welcome the public to join us in celebrating this historical event. There will be activities suited for the entire family including moonwalks, food, live entertainment, vendors, music, raffle prizes along with a health fair and much more! Vendors, sponsors and volunteers are welcome also; those interested should contact the Cobb Branch office at 770-425-5757 or by email.