Juneteenth hits the Fort

story and photos by Linda Kaufenberg

Juneteenth, or June 19, 1865, is considered the date the last slaves in America were freed. Although the rumors of the freedom were widespread prior to this, the actual emancipation did not come until General Gordon Granger sailed into Galveston Harbor, Texas and issued General Order No.3, on June 19.

This was almost two and a half years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, which had become official Jan. 1, 1863. Also, Granger’s order was given two months after the surrender of Gen. Robert E. Lee’s surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia to Gen. U.S. Grant at Appomattox, Va., ending the Civil War.

While Juneteenth is not recognized as a national holiday, it has been approved and celebrated as a state holiday in 29 states, including Arkansas which was was the 16th state to recognize Juneteenth as a state holiday.

In the early years of Juneteenth, little interest existed outside the African-American community. In some cases, there was outwardly-exhibited resistance from town and city officials, by barring the use of public property for these festivities. Most of these festivals found themselves in rural areas, normally around creeks and rivers that could provide for additional activities.

Today, Fort Smith’s Juneteenth Celebration is made possible by the support from area volunteers, sponsorships by local and surrounding area businesses as well as the city of Fort Smith and the Parks and Recreation Commission. The celebration featured a carnival, a quiz bowl for students and free concerts by Lenny Williams, national recording artist and DJ Unk, national recording DJ.