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Liberty Fest includes Juneteenth celebration

Saturday, June 15, will mark a spe- 5:30 p.m. Joining Hudak for the formal In the 20th century, as African
cial celebration of liberty as the initiation of the celebration will be rep- Americans from Texas and neighbor-
Juneteenth holiday takes center stage resentatives of Jack and Jill of ing states spread throughout the coun-
in the Heritage Park Amphitheater America, Incorporated-Ypsilanti MI try, so too did Juneteenth celebrations.
during the Canton Liberty Fest set for Chapter, co-sponsors of the event. In 1980, Texas became the first to make
June 13, 14 and 15 this year in Heritage The Juneteenth holiday commemo- it a state holiday. Shortly thereafter,
Park. rates the day in 1865 when 250,000 other states followed suit, along with
Juneteenth has become the most slaves in the state of Texas were organizations and businesses across
well-known celebration for the ending declared free by the United States the nation hosting events and educa-
of slavery in the United States and Army. tional opportunities dedicated to com-
viewed by some as America's second Juneteenth, however, did not memorating the significance of this
Independence Day. During Liberty change the lives of slaves overnight day. In 2021, the day became a national
Fest, the celebration will begin with a and is considered the beginning of the holiday.
performance by the Detroit Social struggle for freedom for many. As soon Following the official welcome from
Club Band from 3:30 until 4:30 p.m. as the following year, local festivities graham-Hudak Saturday afternoon,
and DJZ Light will then spin musical were organized in African American audience members can learn the basic
favorites until the official welcome by communities to celebrate and remem- moves of The Hustle that will make
Canton Township Supervisor Anne ber the significance of June 19. The them look like a pro on the dance floor
Marie Graham-Hudak set for 5 until celebrations continued year after year. just before the Jack and Jill of America