Celebrate Juneteenth This Saturday in U City

University City community members — especially those of the younger persuasion — are invited to “bring their own chairs” and soak up a bit of history at a Juneteenth Backyard Celebration planned for Saturday, June 15.

Local residents Acme and Robbie Price are hosting the affair, which recognizes the official end of slavery in the United States, from 4 to 6:30 p.m. at their home, located at 8236 Balson Ave.

This year’s celebration marks a special milestone, the sesquicentennial anniversary of when the Emancipation Proclamation was signed by President Abraham Lincoln, on Jan. 1, 1863, and slaves were officially free. Unfortunately, news of the proclamation was ignored and suppressed in many states, as was the case in Galveston, Texas, where reportedly, some slaves did not learn about their liberty until some two and a half years later on June 19, 1865 or Juneteenth.

“This event is especially targeted toward our younger community members… to teach them about the importance of understanding and continuing this celebration of a very important event in history, for a different perspective than they normally get in the classroom,” said Acme Price.

Dr. Robert Williams, author and retired professor of African and Afro-American Studies at Washington University in St. Louis is the keynote speaker. Other guest speakers and dignitaries include:

• University City Mayor Shelley Welsch, 
• School Board President Linda Peoples, 
• School Board Secretary Rodney Jennings Sr., 
• Superintendent of Schools Joylynn Pruitt, 
• Councilman Stephen Kraft, 
• Councilman Arthur Sharpe Jr., 
• Members of Iota Phi Lambda Sorority Inc. - Alpha Zeta chapter

Hot dogs, chips and sodas are free for students who attend. For more information, contact Acme or Robbie Price at 314-863-7259.