On June 19, 1865, three years after the Emancipation Proclamation, Union General Gordon Granger and 2,000 troops rode into Galveston, Texas. Among their number were regiments of the United States Colored Troops. Their purpose was to issue General Order No. 3 “to inform the people of Texas that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free.” Although June 19th has been a day of remembrance in communities nationwide, in 2021, Juneteenth became a federal holiday.
On Saturday, June 8, the Kennard African American Cultural Heritage Center celebrated Juneteenth as a day of family, friends, festivities, food, and community service. Activities began early in the Center’s basement. At 8 a.m., barbers welcomed men for a free Father’s Day haircut and a buffet breakfast, sponsored by the Queen Anne’s County Health Department. Outside the building, the Baltimore-based Sharp Dressed Man made a selection of suits available for men re-entering the workforce. Attendees were entertained by an “All I Want to Do is Dance” performance, the a capella music of Sombarkin’ and the Burke Family Singers. Art, African fabrics, clothing, and jewelry shared space with community organizations and food trucks.
As in previous years, the ability to connect with family and community history has become an anticipated part of the day’s activities. The Washington College Starr Center’s Chesapeake Heartlands table became the gathering place for families, classmates, and community members to reminisce, find their younger selves, and identify photos for the Center’s Museum archives. A young visitor was overheard expressing her pleasure at the unexpected discovery of family history: “It’s nice to learn about my mom’s history. She always tells me about it but to come here and actually see members of my family is wonderful.”
Inside the Center, a selection of artwork created by Yolanda Acree, Charlese Phillips, Janet Adams, Alani Pauls, and Niambi Davis was put on display. “A Homecoming”, the larger mixed media exhibit, is on display at the Queen Anne’s County Centre for the Arts at 206 S. Commerce Street until the end of June. Posters of published articles on the region’s people and history were placed on chalkboards. Dr Clara Small, Professor Emerita of Salisbury University, discussed the film “Water’s Edge; Black Watermen of the Chesapeake and Compass Points, her series of books on African Americans from the Delmarva Peninsula.” If one would plot a compass on the Delmarva Peninsula and expand it to 60 or 90 degrees, one would cover the locations or sites where the most famous African Americans lived in this country’s history,” she said.
Clayton Washington, Kennard Alumni Association president considered the day a success. “We were pleased with the turnout and the support we received. Next year we plan to expand it to an even greater celebration.”
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