Providence Honors Black Civil War Veterans on Juneteenth

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Community honors Black Civil War veterans during the Juneteenth commemoration.

News Summary

Providence will honor Black Civil War veterans with a ceremonial event on Juneteenth at the North Burial Ground. The event, starting at 10 a.m., commemorates the sacrifices of Black soldiers who served during the war. Following the ceremony, the 7th annual Juneteenth Festival at Roger Williams Park will celebrate community with a parade and various festivities. Rhode Island’s Juneteenth weekend includes additional events highlighting Black history and culture, reinforcing the significance of this important day.

Providence will hold a ceremonial event to honor Black Civil War veterans on Juneteenth, showcasing both remembrance and community celebration. The ceremony is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Saturday at the North Burial Ground, specifically at the Prescott Post. This historic cemetery is the final resting place for 52 Black veterans who served during the Civil War.

The ceremony is a collaboration between the Juneteenth Project and the North Burial Ground, reflecting a commitment to honor the sacrifices made by Black soldiers. During the Civil War, approximately 179,000 Black men served in the Union Army, playing a vital role in the fight for freedom and equality.

Following the ceremony, the 7th annual Juneteenth Festival will commence at Roger Williams Park on Sunday, featuring a parade that will begin at 10 a.m. and proceed to the park’s music temple. The festival aims to celebrate the vibrant spirit of the community through music, food, and various activities.

Understanding Juneteenth

Juneteenth marks the date in 1865 when enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, were informed of their emancipation, effectively ending slavery in the United States. Juneteenth became an official federal holiday in 2021 and was recognized as a state holiday in Rhode Island starting in 2023. The legacy of this day emphasizes freedom and the ongoing fight against injustice.

Statewide Celebrations

The events do not stop at the festival. Rhode Island has planned a range of activities that celebrate Black history and culture throughout the Juneteenth weekend. On June 19, the “Taste of Juneteenth” event will occur at Farm Fresh Rhode Island, focusing on Black-owned food businesses. This culinary event aims to spotlight the contributions of local Black entrepreneurs.

Another event, “Stories and Songs in Celebration of Black Freedom,” will take place at Rough Point on the same day, providing a platform for storytelling and artistic expression centered around Black experiences and heritage.

An exhibition titled “A Matter of Truth-Newport” is opening on June 20 and will highlight the historical contributions of African heritage and Indigenous peoples within the Newport area. This exhibition is part of broader efforts to stimulate awareness and appreciation for the cultural richness found within the community.

On June 21, historian Ray Rickman will lead historic walking tours of Providence, offering insights into the significant roles and contributions made by Black citizens throughout the city’s history. These tours aim to educate participants and foster a deeper understanding of cultural heritage and community history.

A Celebration of Culture

The main focus of the Juneteenth celebration is not only to divulge historical contexts but also to engage the community through cultural exhibitions and interactive activities. The festival encourages participation from diverse groups, creating an inclusive environment that amplifies Black voices and honors their journeys.

Through these events, Providence seeks to embrace and celebrate the significance of Juneteenth as a reflective day of freedom, education, and community solidarity. As the city prepares to commemorate this important day, residents and visitors alike will have the opportunity to engage with various aspects of Black history and culture.