Thursday, June 4, 2010 - County Celebrates Juneteenth With Block Party June 19

St. Lucie County's Parks and Recreation Department is co-sponsoring a Neighborhood Block Party at the Lincoln Park Community Center on Saturday, June 19 from 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. as part of the Juneteenth Celebration of Freedom.

Celebrated annually in more than 200 cities in the United States, June 19, 1865 is considered the date when the last slaves in America were freed.  Although rumors of freedom were widespread before this, actual emancipation did not come until Gen. Gordon Granger rode into Galveston, Texas and issued General Order No. 3 on June 19 almost two and half years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation.

The week of Juneteenth events will conclude with a free Neighborhood Block Party at the Lincoln Park Community Center, 1306 Avenue M, Fort Pierce from 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. Activities include: a drumming workshop, mini golf clinic, mini basketball clinic, singing, children's activities, storytelling, food vendors, a car show, volleyball, softball and basketball tournaments, bounce houses, karate demonstrations, Highwaymen art lessons and more.

Additional Juneteenth events include:

• Wednesday, June 16 from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. - Libation Ceremony - Fort Pierce Branch Library, 101 Melody Lane, Fort Pierce. This event will pay tribute to Africa and to African American ancestors old and new.  Students will also honor their own ancestors, see performances, participate in fun activities and enjoy lunch.
  
• Thursday, June 17 at noon - Prayer - The Triumph Church, 1806 Avenue D, Fort Pierce. A light reading of the Emancipation Proclamation, along with songs and prayers will take place in memory of the ancestors who sat and waited in the church to hear the news of the signing of the proclamation that would eventually grant freedom to all human beings.
  
• Friday, June 18 at 7 p.m. - Uncrowned Queens and Kings, Lincoln Park Community Center, 1306 Avenue M, Fort Pierce. Each year the Juneteenth Committee honors unsung men and women who have made a difference in the community, providing remarkable services and opportunities to their family, children and others.

The Juneteenth Celebration of Freedom is sponsored by St. Lucie County; the Fort Pierce Redevelopment Agency; the City of Fort Pierce; Sunrise City, CDHO, Inc. and the St. Lucie County Children's Services Council.

For more information contact the Lincoln Park Community Center at (772) 462-1788.