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Juneteenth Is Our Country’s Second Independence Day

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2 weeks ago

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On the evening of January 1, 1863, enslaved and free African Americans gathered in churches and private homes all across the country awaiting news that the Emancipation Proclamation had taken effect. At the stroke of midnight, prayers were answered and all enslaved people in Confederate States were declared legally free. Union soldiers, many of whom were black, marched onto plantations and across cities in the south reading small copies of the Emancipation Proclamation spreading the news of freedom in Confederate States. The Thirteenth Amendment ended slavery throughout the United States.

But not everyone in Confederate territory would immediately be free. Even though the Emancipation Proclamation was made effective in 1863, it could not be implemented in places still under Confederate control. As a result, in the westernmost Confederate state of Texas, enslaved people would not be free until much later. Freedom finally came on June 19, 1865, when some 2,000 Union troops arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas. The army announced that the more than 250,000 enslaved black people in the state, were free by executive decree. 

Juneteenth is our country’s second independence day. This occasion has been celebrated by African American communities for over 150 years. Yet some Americans are not aware of this monumental event. On June 17, 2021 a bill was signed making Juneteenth the 11th American federal holiday. Juneteenth is celebrated every year on June 19th. 

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Events

Garner Arts Center Presents “Lure of the Rails” Until July 21st

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2 days ago

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June 19, 2024

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Gallery Hours:
Fridays, 2-5 PM Saturdays and Sundays, 1-5 PM, Building 35. Only until July 21st.

“Every artist’s journey begins with a source of inspiration. My creative ventures in art and photography began at age 9 when my Dad gave me my first camera.

The photography on these walls is the result of that “gift” that I was given and a new opportunity to “see” things in a variety of new and exciting ways.

Model trains were in my life from age 2 while living in our families Brooklyn apartment, before moving to Haverstraw, NY in 1964…”

”It is my hope that by viewing my photographs, you may travel along with me to places you’ve never been, experiencing the power, romance and majesty of trains and ultimately, the Lure of the Rails…”

Ken Karlewicz   May 17, 2024

                                          Ken Karlewicz

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Events

Rockland LGBTQ Pride Sunday Celebrates 25 Years June 9th

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3 weeks ago

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May 28, 2024

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On Sunday, June 9 from 11am to 5pm, the Village of Nyack will host the 25th Annual Rockland Pride Sunday, the oldest LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer) Pride celebration in the Hudson Valley.

This year’s event features a parade, which steps off at 11:30am, vendors, live performances, music, speeches, and activities for children, families, and teens. 

Why is June Pride Month? Because it was in June of 1969 that New York City’s Stonewall Riots took place in New York City, giving birth to the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement.

As it does each year, Rockland County Pride Center will host a family-friendly street fair designed to celebrate LGBTQ+ history,  elected officials to show their support for our community, and give parents of LGBTQ+ young people an opportunity to see happy, successful LGBTQ+ adults. 

This year’s event is supported by grants from the Rockland County Department of Economic Development & Tourism and Arts Westchester. A full sponsor list will be available at the event. 

WHAT:               25TH Annual Rockland Pride Sunday

WHERE:            Downtown Nyack, NY

WHEN:               Sunday June 9, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

                             Parade step-off: 11:30 a.m., Memorial Park

                             Speaking Program: 12:00 noon, Hezekiah Easter Park Gazebo

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