DeKalb NAACP to celebrate Juneteenth in Stonecrest
The DeKalb Branch of the NAACP is holding its 2019 Juneteenth celebration on Saturday, June 15, at the Mall at Stonecrest.
The family-friendly event will be from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and includes vendors, entertainment and workshops geared toward African-American audiences on topics like veterans affairs, healthcare, economic development and civic involvement.
The event is being held in conjunction with Atlanta Sports City, which is developing a sports and entertainment complex at the mall.
Juneteenth celebrations mark the day that slaves in Texas learned about the Emancipation Proclamation that granted their freedom. Officially, that date is June 19, 1865, roughly two-and-a-half years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the document into law.
This essentially marked the end of legal slavery in America. African-Americans nationwide celebrate Juneteenth with parades, community festivals and other events that highlight black culture.
About the Author
Tia Mitchell is the AJC’s Washington Bureau Chief and a co-host of the "Politically Georgia" podcast. She writes about Georgia’s congressional delegation, campaigns, elections and the impact that decisions made in D.C. have on residents of the Peach State.
