WIBW - Local News - Headlines

Posted: Sat 4:49 PM, Jun 16, 2012

Reporter: 13 News Posted by Carissa Fox

Topekans Celebrate Juneteenth

TOPEKA, Kan (WIBW)__ Topekans gathered Saturday in celebration of a day of freedom and emancipation.

The Boys and Girls Club of Topeka hosted the Juneteenth celebration.

Juneteenth is a holiday honoring African-American heritage and marking the announcement of the abolition of slavery in Texas...

Texas still held slaves until 1865, two years after President Lincoln signed the emancipation proclamation.

June 18 was the day Union General Gordon Granger and two thousand federal troops took possession of Texas, and forced residents to free their slaves.

Former slaves danced in the street to celebrate, a celebration that continues today.

Juneteenth is typically a week-long celebration.

Next Story >

Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.