Utah Department of Health Office of Health Disparities
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Wednesday, May 28, 2014

25th Anniversary Juneteenth Festival

Next month is 25th Annual Statewide Juneteenth Freedom & Heritage Festival, being held on June 13-15, 2014 at Weber State University, in Ogden.  The theme for this special tribute is "Nyansapo, Honoring the Wisdom of our Elders". 

Juneteenth is the oldest celebration marking the end of slavery in the US, having its origins in Galveston, Texas.  Two years following the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation by president Lincoln, Army General Gordon Granger and his troops were dispatched to the area to find Blacks still enslaved.  He issued General Order #3, thereby granting freedom to the slaves.  A huge celebration broke out, on that day, June 19, 1865 and continues through today.  

Juneteenth is a recognized state holiday and/or observance in all but eight states in the United States with Utah being one that hasn't joined the movement to date.  We have requested that Governor Herbert, sign an Executive Order, to recognize Juneteenth Day in Utah in commemoration of our 25th Anniversary celebration.

Juneteenth provides an opportunity for all to come together and not only celebrate our history and heritage, but to share valuable information with our community.  We invite you to participate by having a vending or information booth, serve as a volunteer, or invest financially, to help make this Silver Anniversary a Success! 

Enjoy local and national performing artist representing numerous genres, ethnic cuisine, film festival with discussions, health & wellness pavilion, Mr. & Ms. Juneteenth Scholarship Pageant, youth and adult activities and competitions, art display, theatrical presentation, "I Am Jane", Father's Day Gospel Tribute, FAFSA completion and financial aid workshops, to name a few.  

Contact Betty Sawyer at 801-644-1402 or email bettysawyer@weber.eduState GEAR UP Partnership Weber State University - Davis for more information.

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