Juneteenth 2008 Celebration

MUSICA Entertainment Celebrated Juneteenth 2008 
with Atlantic Street Center

MUSICA Entertainment was excited to produce Atlantic Street Center's annual Juneteenth celebration today!

Where: Rainier Beach Community Center
(on the corner of Rainier & Henderson in south Seattle) 

When: Thursday, June 19th, 2008 (JUNETEENTH) 

Time: 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm 

Thanks to everone who joined us at the Rainier Beach Community Center for Atlantic Street Center's annual Juneteenth celebration, one of the largest in the state!  Festivities included, Washington State Representative Jamie Pedersen, one of those were responsible for making Juneteenth an official Washington state holiday.  Tony B recited the history of Juneteenth, there was a performance by the incredible Ugandan Matsiko Choir and Drum Ensemble, a variety of vendors and food booths, local performances, and a hip hop rap battle.  Music was provided by DJ Hitman.  The event was hosted by Master of Ceremonies Tony B! 

Matsiko Choir and Drum Ensemble 

What is Juneteenth? 

Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration commemorating the ending of slavery in the United States.  Dating back to 1865, it was on 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 the enslaved were now free. Note that this was two and a half years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation - which had become official January 1, 1863. The Emancipation Proclamation had little impact on the Texans due to the minimal number of Union troops to enforce the new Executive order. However, with the surrender of General Lee in April of 1865, and the arrival of General Granger’s regiment, the forces were finally strong enough to influence and overcome the resistance.  
Juneteenth Celebration in Austin, Texas  June 19, 1900

Today, Juneteenth commemorates African American freedom and emphasizes education and achievement. It is a day, a week, and in some areas a month marked with celebrations, guest speakers, picnics and family gatherings. It is a time for reflection and rejoicing. It is a time for assessment, self-improvement and for planning the future. Its growing popularity signifies a level of maturity and dignity in America. In cities across the country, people of all races, nationalities and religions are joining hands to truthfully acknowledge a period in our history that shaped and continues to influence our society today.  

 
HAPPY JUNETEENTH FROM MUSICA ENTERTAINMENT! 
 
Thank you for your interest in furthering open dialogue and education through music.