Juneteenth is a celebration recognizing the end of slavery in the United States. It didn’t happen officially until June 19, 1865 — more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation — when Union soldiers rode into Texas to enforce President Abraham Lincoln’s order to free the slaves.
Starting with free showings of “Malcolm X” at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Thursday at the Orpheum Theatre, Juneteenth Celebration 2016 offers three days of events celebrating diversity and African-American contributions to the country.
Galesburg Director of Tourism Bill Morris says the Welcome Center is helping promote the Galesburg Juneteenth Celebration Committee event. Morris says last year’s Juneteenth was extra special.
“It was a significant year last year being the 150th anniversary of the true end to slavery in our country,” he says. “And that’s just part of it. Mostly, it’s a great way to celebrate a wonderful people that are a major part of our country and also to bring the awareness to young people in Galesburg about their past. So they realize where this country came from, who built it.”
From 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, the celebration heads to Fat Fish Pub for trivia night. Entry is $10 per person.
Then on Saturday, the Cyclists of Galesburg are meeting at 8 a.m. in front of Q’s Cafe for bike ride to stops along the Underground Railroad. That’s $15 per rider.
Also Saturday, the annual Gospel Fest will feature the Westbrook Singers at 3 p.m. in Kresge Recital Hall on the Knox College campus. Free-will donations will be accepted.
Wrapping Juneteenth 2016 up, a $2 teen dance will be from 8 to 11 p.m. at the Carver Community Center Boys and Girls Club.
