Juneteenth Oberlin 2012
Juneteenth Oberlin
M.P.O. Box 0374
Oberlin, OH 44074
ph: 440-935-9770
juneteen
"The Coming of Emancipation"
Juneteenth or June 19, 1865, is considered the date when the last enslaved persons in America were freed. Although the rumors of freedom were widespread prior to this, actual emancipation did not come in Texas until June 19, almost two and a half years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, January 1, 1863.
Juneteenth symbolizes the end of slavery and the beginning of freedom. While its roots are in Texas, Juneteenth has become a day to celebrate freedom all over the United States.
Over twenty years ago, Adé Sharpley began the celebration of Juneteenth in Oberlin. Oberlin’s history of commitment to abolition and the cause of freedom makes Juneteenth the perfect holiday for this community.
On June 8, 2004, Oberlin City Council passed a resolution establishing Juneteenth as an officially recognized day of commemoration and celebration for the city of Oberlin. Juneteenth Oberlin was incorporated that same year to facilitate and coordinate the community recognition, celebration, promotion, and understanding of Oberlin’s officially declared and established Juneteenth holiday.
Juneteenth Oberlin 2012 celebrates “The Coming of Emancipation,” beginning April 16, 1862, when Congress abolishes slavery in the District of Columbia, to January 1, 1863, when President Lincoln issues the Emancipation Proclamation, declaring free all enslaved persons in the Confederate states (except Tennessee, southern Louisiana, and parts of Virginia), and ending with the ratification of the Thirteenth Amendment to the Constitution abolishing slavery throughout the United States on December 18, 1865. This is the fulfillment of the dream of the many thousands who lost their lives during the period of enslavement and the wish of those who survived.
Juneteenth Oberlin
M.P.O. Box 0374
Oberlin, OH 44074
ph: 440-935-9770
juneteen
