Marietta College: Juneteenth National Independence Day Celebration - 2025
Marietta College hosted its Juneteenth National Independence Day Celebration on Friday, June 13th, at the Hermann Fine Arts Center. The event began at 5:30 p.m. and welcomed approximately 45 attendees who gathered to commemorate the end of slavery in the United States.
Juneteenth—short for June Nineteenth—is a significant U.S. holiday that marks the day in 1865 when
Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, to announce General Order No. 3, declaring that all enslaved people were free. This announcement came more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, due to the delayed enforcement in remote Confederate states like Texas. Celebrated since the late 1800s with parades, cookouts, music, and education, Juneteenth officially became a federal holiday on June 17, 2021. Beyond celebrating freedom, Juneteenth is a time for reflection on justice, civil rights, and the ongoing pursuit of racial equity, while also honoring Black culture, resilience, and achievement.
The evening featured a meaningful blend of education and entertainment, with guests traveling from across the United States. Special presentations included Michael E. Crutcher as the embodiment of Frederick Douglass, Lew A. Welge as President Abraham Lincoln, and a captivating performance by Lawrence Greene, who used African drums to share the powerful story of Juneteenth and African American heritage. Each speaker offered heartfelt stories and reflections that deepened the audience’s understanding of this pivotal moment in history.
Attendees enjoyed a variety of food and beverages, with many red-themed dishes symbolizing the blood shed in the long fight for freedom. Educational materials and commemorative gifts were also available, fostering a space for learning and celebration.
