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Austin celebrates the first June 10th as a federal holiday
Juneteenth was celebrated in Austin on Saturday, and now across the country, after President Biden made Juneteenth an official federal holiday.
Austin, Texas – June 10th celebrations were held across central Texas to commemorate the end of slavery in the United States. The Juneteenth has always been celebrated in Texas, but this is the first year it is considered a federal holiday.
“The number one word today is freedom,” said Cluren Williams, lead organizer of the June 15 celebrations.
Juneteenth was celebrated in Austin on Saturday, and now across the country, after President Biden made Juneteenth an official federal holiday.
“It feels wonderful. This is the first year it is a national holiday. This is going to be just as big as July 4th and any other holiday we have, and we can actually call it our own, we can grow, we can build on it, and everyone can get involved, “Williams said.
June 19, 1865 was the day soldiers arrived in Galveston with news that the Civil War was over and slaves were to be released.
Last year, the June 15 celebrations were suspended due to the pandemic. This year Juneteenth kicked off with a parade with lots of people ready to watch.
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Austinites respond to President Biden’s signing of the Juneteenth Act
June 19 has been celebrated on June 19 for years – the day Union soldiers arrived in Galveston to deliver an order officially ending slavery in Texas.
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“It warms my heart like I’m tearing apart, my voice is breaking right now. It’s incredible. It is wonderful. It just warms my heart to see this community out here together and just love each other like what pandemic? What snow pocalypse? ”Said Diolanda Lovings, parade visitor.
The parade ended in Roosevelt Park, where the celebration continued with food, games and music.
“What I like about the parade here in Austin is the contribution of the races: black, white, Hispanic, who represent the legacy of that time. I personally have seen segregation due to my long existence, so it is very extraordinary, “said Clifford Hatch, parade visitor.
Travis County also held its own Juneteenth celebration.
“When we think of Juneteenth, we think of tradition, we think of culture, we think of family. This is a special day where we’re trying to bring all of these things together, ”said Jeffrey Travillion, Travis County Commissioner for PCT. 1.
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