Eau Claire’s Juneteenth celebration this year is scheduled for Tuesday (June 19) at Carson Park’s Pine Pavilion, although some details of the program have changed.
Juneteenth commemorates the announcement on June 19, 1865 that slavery was abolished in Texas, which marked the end of slavery in the Confederacy. It is recognized as a state holiday or special day in 45 states.
The local event will begin at 5:30 p.m. and is free and open to the public. It will include food, music, children’s activities and speakers.
Eau Claire’s celebration is intended to bring together area residents to celebrate a commitment toward a more united community enriched by its diversity, according to a press release from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.
That press release updated earlier information by noting that state Rep. Dana Wachs (D-Eau Claire) will not be part of the Carson Park program because of a schedule conflict, and that state Rep. Warren Petryk (R-Eleva) will take part.
Wachs is currently a candidate for the Democratic nomination for governor. Petryk is seeking his fifth term in the state Assembly this year, representing the 93rd Assembly District.
Dale Taylor, a UW-EC emeritus professor and an internationally recognized authority on music therapy, will be one of the speakers, as previously announced. Music will include a vocal selection by Petryk and a performance by Irie Sol.
This year’s Juneteenth theme is the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which was adopted in 1868 and addresses citizenship rights and equal protection of the laws. It was enacted in response to issues relating to former slaves, and formed the basis for landmark U.S. Supreme Court decisions in cases involving topics such as school segregation) (Brown v. Board of Education, 1954), abortion (Roe v. Wade, 1973) and same-sex marriage (Obergefell v. Hodges, 2015).
UW-EC’s Uniting Bridges Organization is coordinating the Juneteenth celebration. Lead sponsors include Diversity Resources at Chippewa Valley Technical College, the city of Eau Claire and UW-EC’s chancellor’s office and Office of Affirmative Action. Further information is available from UW-EC history professor Selika Ducksworth-Lawton at duckswsm@uwec.edu.