Natchez is a great place to celebrate Juneteenth

This essay appeared on the op-ed page (4A) of The Natchez Democrat (June 2, 2023)

By Roscoe Barnes III

Natchez is a great place to celebrate Juneteenth

If you want to celebrate Juneteenth – and learn more about African American history, then Natchez is the perfect place to begin your journey.

Natchez is home to many sites related to Black History along the Mississippi River. The sites include historical structures, museums, markers, and tour guides that present the history of chattel slavery and the Civil War. Over 52 sites in Natchez played a role in the civil rights movement in the 1960s. Now you can tour these areas and learn about the city’s history that is a vital part of its cultural legacy.

Of course, you can also attend the special events held in recognition of Juneteenth. I’ll say more about these events, but first, a little background on this holiday.

Juneteenth is short for “June 19th.” It is one of the oldest known holidays commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. The date has been called “Freedom Day” and “Liberation Day.” The reason is that on June 19, 1865, U.S. General Gordon Granger and federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to ensure the freedom of all enslaved men, women, and children in that region.

President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on Jan. 1, 1863, to free most, but not all of the enslaved people in the rebellious southern states.  However, in portions of Texas, it would be two-and-half years later – two months after Confederate General Robert E. Lee surrendered – before the enslaved people were actually released from forced servitude.

Freedom for the enslaved people in Natchez came on July 13, 1863, nine days after the U.S, victory at Vicksburg. When Union troops arrived by steamboat Under the Hill and occupied Natchez, it was a defining moment in the city’s history.

“For nearly 100 years the dominant narrative at Vicksburg was that the 4th of July was about Confederate suffering,” said Dr. David Slay, chief of interpretation at Natchez National Historical Park, in a recent interview. “The hardships endured by the Confederate defenders were almost Christological in the retelling. But the truth is, the 4th of July in Vicksburg and July 13th in Natchez were days of celebration for a large portion, if not the outright majority, of the population.”

People commemorate Juneteenth in many ways. Some celebrate with parades, music, and food, while others pay homage via art and history tours. For many, it’s about education and gratitude and strength for life’s journey.

This year, several exciting events will be held in Natchez in recognition of Juneteenth. They include:

* Juneteenth African American Tours offered Saturday through Wednesday, June 17-21. Rev’s Country Tours will provide special tours that focus on African American history.

* Legends Celebration 2023 Concert: A Musical Tribute for Juneteenth set for 6:30 p.m., Saturday, June 17, at the City Auditorium. The entertainers represent a wide range of Mississippi music including gospel, blues, R&B and jazz with performances by local and other well-known artists.

* Jazzin on the Vine: A Black Artist Art Exhibit will be held at 2 p.m., Monday, June 19, at Concord Quarters courtyard side. The exhibit will feature an array of visual art that includes drawings, paintings, photography, sculptures, and readings by two poets.

* Film “Women of the Struggle: Facing Fear in the Civil Rights Era” will be shown at 6 p.m. Thursday, June 22, at Natchez Museum of African American History and Culture. The film chronicles the lives of women in Mississippi who overcame their fears in the fight for freedom and justice.

In closing, I’m reminded of a comment by novelist Pearl S. Buck, who said, “If you want to understand today, you have to search yesterday.” This is true and especially so when we think about Juneteenth.

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Roscoe Barnes III, Ph.D., is the cultural heritage tourism manager for Visit Natchez.

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