Walpole is preparing to celebrate Juneteenth on Saturday, June 19, from 4-8 p.m. The family-friendly summer evening will have a block party theme, with food, ice cream, performers, and more.
Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of slaves in America. The official date is recognized on the anniversary of Union General Gordon Granger's 1865 proclamation that slavery had ended in Texas, several years after Lincoln originally signed the Emancipation Proclamation in 1862. The delay is due to the circumstances of the Civil War; the Emancipation Proclamation was not implemented in former Confederate states until they were occupied by the Union army.
The Walpole community is encouraged to participate in this fun, educational event. For further details, visit the Walpole Juneteenth Facebook page @JUNETEENTH2021WALPOLE.
