VALDOSTA, Ga. (WALB) – Juneteenth became a federal holiday three years ago, but Valdosta has been celebrating and educating the community about this historic moment since June 1992, making it the longest-standing celebration in South Georgia.
WALB learned the celebration was brought to Valdosta after one of the original South Library Booster founders attended the events held in Atlanta in the 1990s.
“To know that before it was recognized as a federal holiday, we a small community in Valdosta, Georgia. A small group of citizens came together and were able to put together such a celebration and to keep it going over the years.”
Today, the organization gave back to QUOLA Soup Kitchen by providing a meal for the homeless and those experiencing food insecurity. They said they plan to continue serving the community through education and celebration of the holiday known as Freedom Day.
“It’s a good tradition to keep going because if you don’t know where you have been it’s hard to see where you are going,” said Dr. Richardson-Blake.
For the last 32 years, the goal and mission of the boosters has been to keep and grow Black history.
Several South Georgia towns like Albany, Tifton, Thomasville, and Quitman have started their own annual celebrations since Valdosta’s startup.
Dr. Richardson-Blake said, “When we have the celebrations we encourage the entire community to come unite because we are stronger together.”
The annual celebration has brought people of all ages, ethnicities, and backgrounds to learn more about what Juneteenth means.
Community member, Kelley Saxon says, “Juneteenth to me means a celebration, democracy, it means freedom, and unity”, and Khari Johnson said, “Juneteenth is a great Black celebration for everybody.”
Organizers said they hope to continue inspiring and educating young people to continue the celebrating for another 30 years.
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