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Tuesday, February 9, 2010 |
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Juneteenth brings celebration and reflection
Published June 21, 2009
SEGUIN — “On the first day of January, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, all persons held as slaves within any State or designated part of a State, the people whereof shall then be in rebellion against the United States, shall be then, thenceforward, and forever free.”
Those words from the Emancipation Proclamation served as notice that all slaves had gained their freedom, but it took two and a half years for this decree to reach the state of Texas, breaching its borders on June 19, 1865.
This momentous occasion has become known as Juneteenth, with annual celebrations taking place all over the state, including the one Saturday held by the Wilson Pottery Foundation.
As mistress of ceremonies Danielle King addressed the audience in a short ceremony at Starcke Park, it was obvious to see that this was indeed a joyous day for all.
“It’s a celebration and we have a lot to be thankful for,” King said. “Not only for the Emancipation Proclamation, but as Americans as a whole. We just nominated and voted into White House the very first African-American President, so if there ever was a more joyous time to celebrate that slavery is behind us and past us, now is that time.”
There were songs, poems and words of inspiration during the program at the pavilion, including some poignant observations by Seguin Mayor Pro-Tem Don Keil, who said that in years past, such a gathering wouldn’t have been allowed.
“I remember pretty clearly growing up in Seguin in the 1950s — I’m 60 years old — and I didn’t really understand it, but African-Americans were basically not allowed in this area of the park,” Keil said.
“Almost 100 years after slavery and all that ended, we still had the Jim Crow laws and separation here in Seguin and thank God that’s gone forever. That’s the great thing about this celebration — that it’s in Starcke Park, which at the time, was a symbol of that segregation. It’s great to be here and I’m honored to be able to be a part of it.”
The first-ever event featured tons of games as well as cold drinks and snow cones to fight back the Texas heat.
But even 90-degree weather couldn’t stop folks from enjoying one of the south’s favorite fares — barbecue.
“We didn’t know how many people to expect since this is our very first one,” King said. “The phone has been ringing off the hook and we sold about 80 to 100 (barbecue) plates in advance, so with all of those that are coming, plus with word of mouth, we expect a really great turnout.”
The proceeds from the plates, sold for $7, will go towards the Wilson Pottery Foundation, created by the descendants of Hiram, James and Wallace Wilson.
The trio were all slaves who began their own pottery business after they were emancipated, and are generally regarded as being the first African-American businessmen in the state’s history.
While there were many folks who shared the “Wilson” name at the event, King said that she also saw plenty of new faces around as well, leading her to believe that the family keeps adopting more and more members.
“Everybody is just out here having a good old time,” King said. “It’s a big family reunion, people are just coming out and spending quality time, so it’s a win-win situation for the community.
“We’re already getting ready for next year, so keep your eyes out — you’ll hear about it.”
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