(VALLEY STREAM, N.Y.) - Nassau County Legislator Carrié Solages (D – Valley Stream), ranking member of the Legislature’s Minority Affairs committee, celebrated Juneteenth with his colleagues in government and the greater community at Valley Stream State Park on Friday, June 19.
Hosted by New York State Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages, the event featured attractions for all ages, including live entertainment, authentic food, lawn games, informational booths, children’s inflatables, and a special basketball clinic hosted by the Long Island Nets. Legislator Solages additionally partnered with community leaders to distribute books to young readers.
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 celebrations capture the historic significance, the promise and the jubilation associated with this critical inflection point of American history,” Legislator Solages said. “It is always a privilege to work with our partners in government and the community to celebrate the rich diversity of our community for the world to see, and I thank Assemblywoman Solages and all of her partners for carrying forth this annual tradition.”
PHOTO CREDITS – Office of Legislator Carrié Solages