ABOUT THE ANNAPOLIS JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION

The mission of the Annapolis Juneteenth Celebration is to commemorate the emancipation of the last enslaved Africans in the United States. On June 19, 1865, Union troops arrived to Galveston, Texas to enforce the Emancipation Proclamation. Although the Emancipation Proclamation had been issued over two years prior, the news was withheld from many enslaved Africans. Today, we celebrate the freedom and continued legacy of resistance, empowerment, and community building.

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This year's theme is "Our Ancestors Died for Freedom". Our focus is the role of the USCT in bringing about enforcement of legislation that freed the captives. Through music, art, education, and storytelling, we will emphasize the importance of their identity as men and no longer property.  I look forward to every presentation, vendor, sponsor, and non-profit organization empowering the American family! We must preserve and proclaim the story of resistance and freedom until all Americans celebrate OUR STORY!

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Reflectively,

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Bishop Craig N. Coates, Chief Executive Officer

Celebrate Annapolis Juneteenth Corporation