In 1865, Black and enslaved people in Galveston Bay, Texas, were told they could rejoice, they’d been liberated from the fetters of slavery.

Next week residents in Phillipsburg and Easton will commemorate that day, known as “Juneteenth”, with a spread of celebrations and activities for everyone.

Happening in P’burg

A group of residents will host a weeklong ceremony to honor Juneteenth beginning with a flag raising ceremony and a Juneteenth celebration at Shappell Park on June 19.

The flag raising ceremony will happen at 10 a.m. and the celebration will kick off in the evening at 6 p.m. and go until. 9 p.m. The Juneteenth celebration will also feature live music and food vendors.

On Sunday, June 23, the same group will reconvene at Walters Park for a community giveback party and close out the weeklong ceremony with flag lowering event. The community giveback will run from noon to 5 p.m. and feature live music, food and crafts for kids.

The flag lowering ceremony will begin at 6 p.m.

Questions and information about any of the events can be directed to Vickie Mendes-Branch at pageonecenter@gmail.com.

Happening in Easton

Easton hosted a recognition event for three Black men who left an indelible mark on their community, said City Councilman Frank Pintabone.

Officer Andrew B. Theadford Sr., Easton’s first Black police officer; Captain Stephen A. Henley Sr., the city’s first Black police leader; and Captain Joseph W. Dorsey, the Easton Fire Department’s first Black firefighter and captain were honored by the city.

Pintabone introduced the idea in May to establish an annual Juneteenth Recognition Award.

“Easton’s African American population has made considerable impacts on our community and our society. It is an honor to be able to celebrate their lives and work,” he said.

The Pan-African flag was raised during a city-led event earlier this week.

A parade is planned for 3 p.m. Sunday, June 16, in Easton, according to Pintabone. The parade steps off at Walnut and Ferry streets, heads east on Walnut Street, and meets up with Northampton Street at the intersection of Walnut, Northampton and Sixth Streets. Then it heads east on Northampton Street, around Centre Square and wraps up at Larry Holmes Drive.

This list is not comprehensive. It’s a good idea to verify with organizers. Check with your local municipal office, school, library or local service organizations for additional events or volunteer opportunities.

A little bit about Juneteenth

While word-of-mouth spread quickly that the nation’s 16th President had made good on his vow to emancipate enslaved people in the United States of America in 1863, the controversial news was kept from reaching some folks on the continent.

Captives in areas that were more entrenched in Confederate occupation had to wait two years before learning they’d been freed from their enslavers.

For them, freedom finally came on June 19, 1865, when roughly 2,000 troops marched into Galveston Bay, Texas. American soldiers freed the last 250,000 Black and enslaved people who were kept hostage there.

This day came to be known as “Juneteenth” or “Freedom Day” by the newly freed people in Texas; America’s second Independence Day.

Glenn Epps can be reached at gepps@lehighvalleylive.com or glenn_epps_on X (formerly known as Twitter.com), Facebook and Threads.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe to lehighvalleylive.com today.