Imagine strolling along, eyes closed, breathing in the night air and hearing the soft sounds of a steel drum. The
Caribbean bop then becomes a drum beat with a West African flair. The cadence gently becomes a syncopated
conga with an afro Cuban swing. You take in a deep breath of fragrant spices and flavors waiting to be savored.
You gently squeeze your son’s hand as you walk through the gates and into Juneteenth.
Juneteenth is the embodiment of a transformation of hobby into art, tradition into culture, freedom songs into
jazz. It conjures up a culture rich in American traditions and values as well as global influences. It is a festival
of families coming together to celebrate achievement, education, commerce, art, health and wellness, and, of
course, to feed your soul. Take a journey through Juneteenth.

Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when Union General Gordon Granger rode into Galveston, Texas,
to deliver the message that the last American slaves were now free. This announcement resulted in days of
celebration. The end of slavery freed all Americans, not just the slaves but also the slave masters, from the
shackles of slavery. Freedom is now afforded to all who come to the United States and we can attribute the
decree of General Order No. 3 with the emancipation. General Order No. 3 reads:

.

Juneteenth is an American cultural celebration. American culture and music is imbued with the influences
of many cultures that have settled in the United States. Those global elements have influenced food, art,
history and music. Juneteenth is a celebration of the contributions of the diverse African traditions that enrich
American culture.