Mayor Tom Lowry presented a proclamation during Tuesday evening’s city commission meeting in observance and celebration of Juneteenth (June 19) in the City of Three Rivers. Juneteenth is a federal holiday which commemorates African American emancipation and the end of slavery in the United States after the Civil War.

Lowry read from the proclamation saying, “July 4th is the national recognition of the independence of this country, but that was not true for the enslaved African Americans at that time. Juneteenth, also known as Emancipation day, is an inclusive day of reflection, a day of renewal, and appreciation for the significant contributions of African Americans and their continuous struggle for freedom and equality from the past to the present.”

Lowry finished the proclamation by reading, “Whereas, the City of Three Rivers participates in the observation and celebration of Juneteenth, reflecting the belief of liberty and equality for every citizen; and now, therefore I, Thomas J. Lowry, Mayor of the City of Three Rivers, do hereby proclaim the celebration of Juneteenth this year and encourage the citizens to participate with the celebrations at the George Washington Carver Center, Huss Project and the Skate Rink.”

Fourth District City Commissioner Carolyn McNary was given the honor of accepting the proclamation. “I’m honored to be here to receive this, to be a citizen of Three Rivers where people recognize inclusiveness and we are all working together,” she said.

There will be a gathering at the George Washington Carver Center on Friday, June 9, from 2 p.m. – 7 p.m. ahead of Juneteenth. It will include an art contest for children ages 12 through 18, where their artwork will be displayed both at the Center on June 9, but also at the Huss Project farmer’s market on June 17. “If you guys get out, go to one of those places and look at the art, and vote for the children,” McNary said. “Let’s help and encourage our children to participate in things throughout the community.”

Celebrations will conclude with activities at Skate Dreams skating rink on June 19 from 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. “There will be skating activities indoors and out,” McNary said. “We will announce the winner of the art contest at that time, too.” She ended by saying, “At 10 p.m. there will fireworks (at Skate Dreams) so everybody is invited to come out and celebrate. Thank you.”

Beca Welty is a staff writer and columnist for Watershed Voice.