Juneteenth celebrated at Richard Allen School in Georgetown

Shorel Clark reads stories about the emancipation proclamation to children gathered at her booth. DAN COOK PHOTOS

Dan Cook

June 24, 2021

A Juneteenth celebration was held June 19 at the Richard Allen School in Georgetown, where attendees honored the proclamation that took place June 19, 1865, in the state of Texas announcing the abolition of slavery in America. Juneteenth has been celebrated as Jubilee Day, Freedom Day and Black Independence Day in many African American communities since 1866.

More than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued by President Abraham Lincoln Jan. 1, 1863, the 1865 announcement officially marked the end of enslavement throughout the former Confederate States of America. Juneteenth became an officially recognized federal holiday June 17, 2021, when President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law.

Vendors with food, crafts and games were available for all event participants. The celebration was filled with speeches of appreciation, songs and dances, and visits by local and state officials.

The event was sponsored by the Richard Allen Coalition, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Sussex County Alumnae, Restoration Worship Center, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Everlasting Hope Ministries and the Buffalo Soldiers motorcycle club.

The holiday’s name is a blend of "June" and "19th," the date of its celebration.

Lelani Bright, 5, wears a Juneteeth T-shirt to commemorate the event.

Shorel Clark and Kaden Brown, 6, do a dance celebrating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans during one of her readings.

Making cotton candy for Brights Delights are Shane McCrae, left, and Jabari Herring.

Emily Holbrook of First State Community Action Agency prepares to give out bags of groceries at the event.

Vance Collins, left, and Pastor Tony Neal of Everlasting Hope Ministries, which delivers anti-drug hope for the public, await the start of the Juneteeth event.

Silver Lining Home Healthcare specializes in helping seniors live comfortably and safely at their own home. Its experienced team of compassionate staff takes care of loved ones so families can ease their minds and focus on enjoying their moments together. Shown are Alexis Baily, left, and Tansheika Smith.

Jerome “Roni” Hitchens of Roni Barbecue flips the tasty chicken and ribs to cook everything just right.

The Possum Point Players perform a scene from “Othello” under the main tent. Shown are (l-r) Claudius Bowman as Othello, Richard Huffman as the Duke of Venice, and Karen Fitzpatrick as Desdemona.

Knyles West, left, and Camylah Jones enjoy painting a rock at the Peace Week Delaware crafts booth.

Attending the event are (l-r) Georgetown Mayor Bill West, Sen. Brian Pettyjohn, R-Georgetown, Delaware State Auditor Kathy McGuiness, Georgetown Councilwoman Christina Diaz-Malone and Georgetown Police Chief Randall Hughes.

Staffing their Impact Delaware booth are Natasha Mullen and Dr. Julius Mullen. Their mission is to encourage, educate, and empower youth to pursue their dreams.

June Hovington, president of the Richard Allen Coalition, welcomes attendees to the event and introduces the dignitaries. Emcee Darren Harris is in the background.