Join Buncombe County Public Libraries in a Community Celebration of Juneteenth!
On June 19, 1865, Union soldiers arrived in Texas, bringing news that the Civil War had ended and to enforce Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation, issued two and a half years earlier. The news galvanized African-Americans across Texas. Some celebrated, others left to find family members from whom they had been separated, and still others continued fighting to free themselves from white landowners who did not want to accept the proclamation. In Asheville, African-Americans claimed their freedom in late April 1865, when Union cavalry arrived in the region. Today, June 19th is recognized across the nation as a holiday to celebrate and uplift African-Americans everywhere.
This year, the Buncombe County Commissioners voted to make Juneteenth an official holiday, joining communities across the country to recognize the importance of celebrating this important day.
Celebrate Juneteenth with Buncombe County Public Libraries on Tuesday, June 15 from 5-7 pm at Pack Memorial Library. There will be opportunities for community members of all ages, including:
-Community art and archiving activities
-Opportunities to view historical documents related to enslavement and emancipation held in the Buncombe County Special Collections
-The opportunity to contribute to a community time capsule
-Storytelling, music, and light refreshments
We look forward to celebrating this important holiday with our community!