Juneteenth celebrations unite community with parade, gatherings

Fort Worth:  Civil-rights activist Opal Lee is walking again.

The 90-year-old retired teacher from Fort Worth wants the nation’s leaders to understand the importance of Juneteenth. and to mark it with a national day of observance. Last year, she launched a series of symbolic walks to Washington, D.C., to get former President Barack Obama’s attention. This year, she has a letter for President Donald Trump.

“People don’t know where they are going if they don’t know where they came from,” Lee said, explaining why Juneteenth is still important today.

Every June 19 in Texas, communities celebrate with prayer, family gatherings and a strong dose of history. That was the day in 1865 that a union general arrived in Galveston with an order informing Texas that all slaves were freed. This year, events across North Texas include park festivities, a Breakfast of Prayer at Baker Chapel AME Church in Fort Worth and a parade Saturday. Find a list that includes many Juneteenth events online at www.juneteenthftw.com.

“When the people learned they were free, they raised their hands and shouted. They started celebrating,” Lee said. “You can not believe how those people rejoiced.”

“I’m excited about Juneteenth. I’m am hopping up and down,” said Lee, who is again making the walks that will take her to Washington, D.C.

Read more here: http://www.star-telegram.com/news/local/community/fort-worth/article156405364.html#storylink=cpy
Read more here: http://www.star-telegram.com/news/local/community/fort-worth/article156405364.html#storylink=cpy