Juneteenth in Decatur

Juneteenth is a federal holiday in the United States that commemorates June 19th, 1865, when the enslaved people of Galveston, Texas, finally learned about their freedom. This momentous occasion came more than two years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation, highlighting the deep-rooted racism in the country as the South attempted to hold onto slavery long past its date of abolition. Juneteenth is celebrated to honor and remember a past that has often been erased and to connect that past to our ongoing efforts towards liberty and justice for all.

Traditionally, African American families celebrate Juneteenth with family gatherings, cookouts, and parades, focusing on the connections of family and community.

Celebrations in Decatur: The Praise House Project

In Decatur, celebrations include the Praise House Project, located on the greenspace at Commerce Drive and West Trinity Place. The Praise House Project is a community-based initiative by visual artist Charmaine Minniefield, featuring multimedia, site-specific public art installations that honor the African American histories of various areas.

In honor of Juneteenth, on June 23rd from 6-9 pm, The Praise House Project will partner with Historic Lilly Hill Baptist Church to celebrate the African American history of Beacon Hill and its legacy as a Freedman’s town in Downtown Decatur.

Extended interior viewing hours of the Praise House will be from 3-6 pm at 346 W. Trinity Place, Decatur, GA 30030. At 6 pm, a drum procession led by Giwayen Mata, an all-sistas African drumming, dance, and vocal ensemble, will guide attendees from Lilly Hill to the Praise House for a Juneteenth Family Reunion gathering on the lawn, featuring music by DJ Cozy Shawn.

Guests are encouraged to bring blankets and baskets with plenty to share with their neighbors for a potluck Family Dinner from 6-9 pm. Limited chairs and tables will be provided for the elders. The evening will conclude at sunset with an exterior projection onto the Praise House, making the structure glow with Beacon Hill history, led by digital media artist Kimberly Binns from 8-9 pm.

Join us in celebrating Juneteenth and honoring the rich history and enduring spirit of the African American community.

For more information visit: praisehouseproject.org