GULFPORT, Miss. (WLOX) – On this Juneteenth, a ceremony at Gulfport City Hall shared the story of emancipation and freedom.
This national holiday recognizes the date in 1865 when African Americans in Texas were freed, some two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation.
The city hall chamber was filled with community leaders and citizens with inspirational messages.
The “living legacies” who fought the long battle for freedom and equality shared testimonials and encouraged the next generation to continue the work.
Bringing the community together is just one of the reasons organizer Bobby Hudson says this event is so important.
“I just became very invested into uplifting my community but also educating about African American freedom and achievements,” Hudson said. “Bringing more awareness to Juneteenth and the importance of celebrating it, but also cultural education whether its African American, Irish, whatever it might be, the importance of everyone knowing about different cultures, and respecting different cultures, and how that impacts the very fabric of our community.”
The city-wide commencement also highlighted Juneteenth’s importance in the community.
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