Coconino County African American Advisory Council, Southside Community Association Celebrate Juneteenth

Photos by Frank X. Moraga / ©2019 AmigosNAZ

FLAGSTAFF — Performers, information booths, food and a climbing wall highlighted the annual Juneteenth Celebration held June 15, 2019 at the Murdoch Community Center in Flagstaff.

Flagstaff Mayor Coral Evans provided opening remarks for the event.

Presented by the Coconino County African American Advisory Council (AAAC) and the Southside Community Association, the annual event commemorates the end of slavery when Union soldiers landed at Galveston, Texas on June 19, 1865 with news that the Civil War had ended.

Supporters of civil rights celebrate African American freedom and the subsequent achievements within the culture while encouraging continuous self-development and respect for all cultures.

“Juneteenth is rightfully also known as Freedom Day,” said AAAC member Khara House. “As Coretta Scott King once noted, ‘Freedom is never really won, you earn it and win it in every generation.’ We celebrate Juneteenth in honor of the ongoing process and struggle for freedom that falls upon each generation to take up, carry on and move forward.”

The Juneteenth celebration featured live entertainment and informational tables, including the AZ Historical Society, County Diversity Councils and more. To learn more visit http://juneteenth.com