This year marks the 150th “Juneteenth” day – the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the end of slavery in the United States. Please join us on Saturday, 18 June, 2016 to celebrate Juneteenth – “Under the Tent” – across the street from Sumner Hall at 206 South Queen Street, Chestertown, MD.
This day of Tribute, Entertainment and Fun for All Ages begins at 10:30 AM with a short Welcoming Ceremony followed by a parade from Sumner Hall to Memorial Park where members of the Buffalo Soldiers Cavalry Scouts MC Troop 1 (Delaware) will lay a wreath to honor fallen heroes.
The afternoon’s program, from12:30 pm – 6:00 pm, features live jazz and Gospel music interspersed with inspirational talks and poetry readings. Scheduled musical performances include the Blues-Keepers Band, The Bratcher Project, The New Gospelites, Andre Sisco, God’s Wealth, and The Pilgrim Travellers.
Professor Clara Small, historian and author of several Compass Points books, will share biographical stories of prominent African Americans from the Eastern Shore. Robert Earl Price, Artistic Director of Sumner Hall, will read from his poetry and Cameron McCoy, a young orator, will address the group.
There’s also lots of activities for kids – including crafts, games, dance contest and a bouncy castle.
First observed in Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 1866, Juneteenth Day became more widely celebrated as African Americans migrated across the county. Today, 41 states and territories, including Maryland, Delaware and the District of Columbia, recognize Juneteenth as a State Holiday.
“We hope that everyone will join in the celebration of this day!” said Nina Johnson, President of the Board of Directors of Sumner Hall. “Come by anytime to hear a favorite performer, enjoy some wonderful food and relax with family and friends.”
Also available: food and merchandise vendors, a Kids Corner, raffle drawings and exhibits at Sumner Hall. For more information on Sumner Hall, Grand Army of the Republic Post # 25, please visit https://garpost25.org/
Schedule
10:30am – Welcome and Opening Ceremonies
11:00am – Parade from Sumner Hall to Memorial Park and Placing of Wreath to Honor Fallen Heroes by Members of Buffalo Soldiers Cavalry Scouts MC, Troop 1, Delaware
12:30pm – Proclamation and Recognition of Key Sponsors, Partners and Supporters
1:00pm – Music by the Blues Keepers Band
1:20pm – Poetry Reading by Robert Earl Price
1:30pm – African Americans of the Eastern Shore by Dr. Clara Small sharing stories documented in her Compass Points Books
2:00pm – Gospel Music by the Pilgrim Travelers
2:30pm – Jazz by The Bratcher Project
4:00pm – Speaker Cameron McCoy
4:30pm – Gospel Music by the New Gospelites
5:00pm – Music by Andre Sisco
6:00pm – Closing Ceremonies
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