Roswell To Host Juneteenth Celebration

ROSWELL, GA -- The Roswell Roots Steering Committee is branching out in its mission to celebrate black history.

A Juneteenth celebration will be held from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday, June 19 at Pastis Restaurant and Bar at 928 Canton Street.

The event, which will be filled with dancing and live music, is the first time the committee has hosted an event outside its annual festival in February. 

Juneteenth commemorates the announcement of the abolition of slavery on June 19, 1865, which came more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation went into effect. 

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Celebrated nationally on June 19, the day is recognized as a state holiday or special day of observance in many states and is observed primarily in local celebrations. 

“The Juneteenth event is a way to encourage our community to discuss and learn about African-American history and culture year-round,” said Katherine Jones, Roswell’s cultural services manager. “We hosted a music and dance event during this year’s Roswell Roots Festival, and because it was a huge success, it made sense to plan a similar style event to celebrate this important day in African-American history.”

Celebrating its 15th anniversary this past February, the Roswell Roots Festival is a month-long initiative highlighting the history and culture of African-Americans in Roswell and throughout our country. The festival features events and exhibits that showcase dance, film, music, visual art, and history.

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