(HEMPSTEAD, N.Y.) - Nassau County Legislator Carrié Solages (D - Lawrence) joined the Town of Hempstead’s Juneteenth celebration at Hempstead Town Hall on Saturday, June 18. Following a grand processional, the event featured music, storytelling, poetry, children’s activities and a ceremonial raising of the Juneteenth flag. The event was spearheaded by Town of Hempstead Deputy Supervisor Dorothy Goosby, who made history in 1999 when she became the first Black woman elected to Hempstead’s Town Board.
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 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…"
“It was a pleasure to celebrate Juneteenth with Deputy Supervisor Goosby - a trailblazing leader whose life’s work encapsulates the advocacy, accomplishment and excellence that permeates the spirit of Freedom Day,” Legislator Solages said. “I thank her for organizing an event that filled us all with inspiration and imparted the richness of this historic observance upon all who joined us at Hempstead Town Hall.”
PHOTO CREDITS - Office of Legislator Carrié Solages