Decatur plans its first-ever Juneteenth celebration

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(ATLANTA, Ga.) The city of Decatur is hosting a Juneteenth celebration for the first time ever this year.

The event will be put on by the Beacon Hill Black Alliance for Human Rights, an organization founded in 2015 that works to advocate for people of African descent against systemic racism and oppression in regards to housing and education in the Decatur area.

The group has planned festivities in coordination with city officials to take place in Decatur Square from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on June 19.

Juneteenth has become a widespread celebration with its history being tied back to 1865 when enslaved people in Texas finally received communication about the Emancipation Proclamation. The inaugural celebration will also commemorate the one-year anniversary of a Confederate monument’s removal from the city.

In a press release, Fonta High, co-chair of the organization said, “Together we can propel and sustain the movement for the removal of symbols of hate through collaboration across communities in the South.

“We invite activists and advocates to join us on Juneteenth for support and inspiration during this time of celebration.”

The event will feature both a youth art and mural project, vendors and music. Attendees will be able to hear stories and lessons from advocates and activists around the state.

“As we remember the removal of the Confederate obelisk on Juneteenth 2020,” Decatur Mayor Patti Garrett said in a news release. “The city of Decatur is proud to be a partner in planning the first official Juneteenth event, and we look forward to this being the first of what we hope becomes an annual tradition.”

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