Albemarle Supervisors commemorate Juneteenth with proclamation

June 19 is Juneteenth which marks the 159th anniversary when Black residents of Galveston, Texas finally learned from Union troops that the Emancipation Proclamation had been signed, ending the legal practice of slavery. Albemarle Supervisors had a proclamation on the occasion last week.

“WHEREAS, Black Americans came to commemorate this day as Juneteenth with celebrations across the country,” read Supervisor Chair Jim Andrews. “Whereas, the Board of Supervisors encourages all persons in Albemarle County to recommit to our shared work to ensure racial justice and equity and to commemorate the centuries of struggle and progress led by educators, civil rights advocates, abolitionists, activists, lawyers, trade unions, religious leaders, public officials, and everyday Albemarle County residents who have brought us closer to fulfilling this promise.”

Andrews invited Marnita Simpson Shepherd to say a few words. She’s a descendant of James Elias Simpson for whom Simpson Park in Esmont is named.

“There are countless African Americans, Albemarle County residents, along with Simpson, who deserve to have their sacrifices and hardships recognized,” Simpson Shepherd said.

With limited time, Simpson shared a few things about her great-grandfather who lived from 1875 to 1950. 

“As an entrepreneur, successful merchant, and substantial landowner at a time when because of racism and subjugation, most Black Albemarle County residents Could neither read nor write,” Simpson said.

There will be a ceremony to commemorate James Elias Simpson on June 30 but Marnita Simpson Shepherd took the time to stress the importance of recognizing Juneteenth, which is now a federal holiday.

“I’d like to imagine that the souls of those who endured so that we may live freely fly even higher and lighter on this day of recognition,” Simpson Shepherd said. 

One event happening on Juneteenth itself is a creative arts showcase that will be happening at the Art Bar Charlottesville at 1747 Allied Street Suite K. Learn more on the C-Ville Weekly Calendar.

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