Petersburg Juneteenth event celebrates freedom, family

The fourth annual Juneteenth celebration in Petersburg, the first of two Juneteenth events sponsored by the Washington Cultural Foundation and Petersburg National Battlefield, will be June 21 from 3 to 5 p.m.

Throughout the United States, Juneteenth events commemorate the ending of slavery in America and celebrate the importance of family, community and achievement for all Americans.

The event will begin with a traditional African libation ceremony led by Ayo Dowl at the Eastern Front (Main) Visitor Center.

Speakers include Petersburg Mayor Annie Mickens, Juneteenth event coordinator Treska Wilson-Smith and Petersburg National Battlefield Superintendent Bob Kirby.

The Rev. Grady Powell, former minister at Gilfield Baptist Church, will provide the opening prayer. Larry Akin Smith will perform a song reflecting the meaning of the celebration. The keynote speaker is retired Col. Porcher Taylor Jr., a Navy and Army veteran of World War II and the Korean and Vietnam Wars. Taylor also is nationally recognized for his work in the field of education. Other guests include the Mark Matthew Chapter of the 9th and 10th Horse Cavalry Association of the Buffalo Soldiers.

Juneteenth-related events will take place along the park's tour road, including ranger-led talks at Tour Stop #3 about the experiences of black troops in the trenches of Petersburg. At Tour Stop #8, hear about the role of the United States Colored Troops at the Battle of the Crater.

The weekend of June 20 is one of three fee-free weekends offered by the National Park Service in 2009.

For more information, call park ranger Grant Gates at (804) 732-3531, ext. 202.