Juneteenth Celebration Set For Casper

Juneteenth, a celebration of freedom, goes all the way back to the 1800′s. The Emancipation Proclamation gave slaves freedom in 1863, but in Texas it was another 2 1/2 years before slaves were actually set free. As the slaves began a new way of life, June 19th was the day they chose to celebrate their new found freedom, thus beginning the Juneteeth Holiday.

39 of the 50 United States recognize this day as a holiday, Wyoming was the 9th state to give recognition to Juneteenth. Pastor William H. Pierce, and his wife Lessie have worked on the Casper celebration for over 15 years and with the help of  the Wyoming Juneteenth Education Committee and the Imitate the Image Ministries bring you this years event on June 16th.

This years event will be June 16th at Matt Campfield Park in North Casper and will start at 3 p.m. The event will start with a reading of the Juneteenth proclamation from the Mayors office, by Paul Meyer. This will be followed by key note speaker, Chief of Police Chris Walsh. Remarks will the be made by Senator Charles K. Scott. All of this will be followed by a free BBQ with all the trimmings (everyone is asked to bring a covered dish to share), bounce houses for the kids and 3 on 3 basketball.

Entertainment will also be provided by local bands SMJ Jazz Trio, the John Torkwood Band, No Goodaz and Gospel Choirs from around the city.

According to organizers this celebration is not just about Black history, but more of America's history. Everyone is welcome and the event is free, however due to a change in city policy, expenses once paid by the city will now be picked up by the group so any and all freewill donations will be gratefully accepted.

Organizers request that if you plan to attend, DON’T BRING YOUR PETS!

For more information, contact Pastor Pierce at 307-237-0831.