Juneteenth celebrations are going on across the country today, marking the day the last U.S. slaves received word of their emancipation in 1865. WSIU’s Benjy Jeffords gives us a preview of one local event.
47 state’s recognize Juneteenth as a state or ceremonial holiday and there is a push for it to become a federal holiday.
US Senator Dick Durbin has supported Juneteenth for years.
“We must continue the fight to ensure quality, justice and economic opportunity for all Americans
Nancy Maxwell with the women’s center helped organize Carbondale's event because of its historical significance.
“When those slaves got freed, they came through Carbondale on their way up north.”
The event is labeled a caravan - and ends at Attucks Park, with a stage for speakers. Maxwell says the route purposely travels in front of the police station.
“It’s just kind of symbolic because the police are one of the reasons were marching.”
Maxwell says it’s troubling to continue to see racial violence during a time where demonstrations are happening across the country.
“Lately we had another young African American shot three times in the back and there have been five hangings in one week, so we still have much work to do.”For WSIU I’m Benjy Jeffords.
