(DISTRICTWIDE) - Nassau County Legislator Scott M. Davis (D – Rockville Centre) commemorated Juneteenth throughout the communities of Legislative District 1. In recent days, he took part in celebrations at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center of Rockville Centre; Kennedy Memorial Park in Hempstead Village; Roosevelt High School; and the Baldwin Community Garden.
Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. It specifically refers to the June 19, 1865 issuance of Union General Gordon Granger’s “General Order No. 3,” which brought news of President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation to the people of Texas in these words:
“The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free,” the order reads in part. “This involves an absolute equality of personal rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves…”
“Juneteenth is a profoundly joyous celebration of emancipation and a teachable moment in history that reinforces the truth that Black history is at the core of American history,” Legislator Davis said. “By embracing the spirit of this holiday, the communities of District 1 are ensuring that the lessons of history are passed down through each generation, and I was grateful to have an opportunity to take part in so many of these celebrations.”
PHOTO CREDITS – Office of Legislator Scott M. Davis