Juneteenth remembered locally

Juneteenth: Rejoice, Reflect and Remember was the theme for the Juneteenth Annual program sponsored by the Marlin Juneteenth Organization under the leadership of Hermetta Paul.

History review: Juneteenth, officially Juneteenth National Independence Day, is a federal holiday in the US celebrated annually on June 19 to commemorate the ending of slavery in the US. 

It was that day in 1865 when Major General Gordon Granger ordered the final enforcement of the Emancipation Proclamation in Texas at the end of the American Civil War, only applied to former Confederate states. 

There remained legally enslaved people in the states that never seceded from the Union. These slaves did not gain their freedom until the ratification of the 13th Amendment to the Constitution, December 6, 1865. In 2021, President Joe Biden signed the act into a law.

The local Juneteenth Organization hosted the Juneteenth Parade on Wednesday, June 19. 

Many club, organizations and businesses joined in the annual event. Mayor Susan Byrd and Mayor Pro tem Debra Levels McDavid were among the dignitary participants. 

Following the parade, the community assembled at the BTW Alumni building for the program and dinner. All Marlin High School graduates, the theme speakers were DeAndrea Petty, Esq, (Rejoice), Ali Alexander (Reflect) and Dr. Felicia Green-Johnson (Remember). Lieutenant Colonel Titus A. Butler was the guest speaker. He is the Deputy Director of Policy for the OL-Air Education and Training Command in Randolph.  

Presented by Paula Washington, Sharyia Simpson was the recipient of the Juneteenth Organization $500 scholarship. Mr. Howard Moore and Mrs. Jewline Mayes were recognized as the eldest male and female present at the program.

Following the program, attendees were served traditional BBQ dinner. Over 90 community members were present at the event. For the younger crowd, entertainment included bounce houses were on site.