Tyler Juneteenth Celebration
Posted/updated on: June 20, 2011 at 3:30 pm
TYLER — Tyler held its Juneteenth celebration over the weekend, honoring the day in 1865 when Texas slaves learned of their freedom. The Juneteenth parade grand marshal was Texas College’s board chairman, Bishop Henry Williamson Sr. Williamson noted the participation of such community leaders as Mayor Barbara Bass and County Commissioner JoAnn Hampton in Juneteenth festivities. He urged continued work in the Juneteenth spirit of freedom and unity for all people “so that the things that we need to accomplish together, in Tyler, in Texas, and across the nation, can take place.” Williamson hopes the community will start using the celebration and other holidays “to address the dreams and hopes of this community and be solution-based rather than problem-centered.” A gospel celebration and a Woldert Park gathering were other Juneteenth highlights.
