|
|
|
|
REFUGIO – When Willie Brown left his hometown of Refugio in 1948 for the military, the town was still segregated.
Sixty years later, as president of the Refugio County Community Cemetery Association, he and others are organizing the fourth annual Juneteenth celebration set from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday at the Refugio County Fairgrounds Expo Center.
Juneteenth, said Brown, is a celebration uniquely Texan.
It commemorates the March 1862 signing of the Emancipation Proclamation by President Lincoln and took effect on January 1863. News of the freeing of slaves did not make its way to Texas until June 19, 1865, hence the name Juneteenth.
The free event will feature gospel singing, sack races, a watermelon eating contest and lunch for the public.
The organization is hoping for a turnout of at least 500 people, Brown said.
Christina Burke is a reporter for the Advocate. Contact her at 361-580-6516 or cburke@vicad.com