Louisville Councilwoman Reflects On Juneteenth Jubilee

From the City of Louisville:

At the steps of the Lincoln Monument in Waterfront Park, the first community wide Juneteenth Jubilee Celebration was held this past Sunday to mark the end of slavery in the United States.

“It was an honor to join so many people who understand the true significance of this day in our past as we move forward as African Americans,” said Councilwoman Keisha Dorsey (D-3). “It is an important event. I was pleased to see so many young people and families because this celebration was a positive community building experience.”

The Councilwoman was among many elected leaders, community activists, musicians and others who participated in Metro Louisville’s first Juneteenth Jubilee Celebration. It began with a parade from the KFC YUM Center to the Lincoln Memorial Statue created by Louisville Sculptor Ed Hamilton.

As part of the festivities, Councilwoman Dorsey recited a passage from the Emancipation Proclamation of President Abraham Lincoln.

“Whereas, on the twenty-second day of September, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-two, a proclamation was issued by the President of the United States, containing, among other things, the following, to wit: that on the first day of January, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, all persons held as slaves within any State or designated part of a State, the people whereof shall then be in rebellion against the United States, shall be then, thenceforward, and forever free; and the Executive Government of the United States, including the military and naval authority thereof, will recognize and maintain the freedom of such persons, and will do no act or acts to repress such persons, or any of them, in any efforts they may make for their actual freedom.”

Hundreds attended the celebration and Sunday’s date was significant because on July 28, 1868, the adoption of the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was certified.

This press release was produced by the City of Louisville. The views expressed here are the author’s own.