For the last 15 years, the third Saturday in June has marked the day the African American Heritage Society of Williamson County hosts an annual Juneteenth Celebration at the McLemore House Museum in Franklin.
“Juneteenth at the McLemore House are going to be different this year as there’ll be no public event thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic and therefore the social distancing guidelines recommended to regulate the spread of COVID-19,” Alma McLemore, president of the African American Heritage Foundation, said.
However, McLemore said the AAHS would really like for the community to hitch certain every week of remembrance and to acknowledge the importance of Juneteenth beginning on Monday, June 15 through Saturday June 20 through You Tube and Facebook programming.
About Juneteenth
Juneteenth may be a celebration from slavery to freedom that began in Galveston, Texas on June 19, 1865.
Though Lincoln had issued the Emancipation Proclamation two and a half years before, the enslaved in Galveston, Texas weren’t informed of their freedom until June 19, 1865.
To commemorate this historic event, communities and organizations throughout the country celebrate Juneteenth, which is recognized as a state holiday in many nations across America.
In years past, locals et al. commemorate Juneteenth by that specialize in it’s origin and meaning; amid games, food, music, door prizes and other activities at the McLemore House.
“It may be a day of remembrance and of sharing history and stories of how freedom changed lives in Williamson County also as emphasizing and truly understanding and appreciating the challenges and hardships African Americans faced despite being free,” Alma McLemore said.
The annual event is typically began by American Legion Post 215 with the raising of the American flag and therefore the Juneteenth flag. Following the opening ceremony, various activities occur throughout the day, including honoring Civil Rights activists, music, food and an iconic cakewalk. .
The McLemore House Museum, built by former slave Harvey McLemore, is found within the Hard Bargain neighborhood.
“Harvey’s story from slavery to homeowner is critical and truly tells a story about freedom and ties directly into the rationale for the celebration,” Alma McLemore said.
