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San Angelo Juneteenth parade celebrates African American heritage

Juneteenth is an annual celebration honoring those who received their freedom over 150 years ago. Our Brenda Matute spoke to the Juneteenth Committee leaders who share why it's so important for them to celebrate history.

SAN ANGELO, TX — "When I was going to school they taught about the 19th of June, but now they dont teach that in high school"

Ralph Powell, president of the Juneteenth Committee of the Concho Valley says every year he makes it his goal to educate young people on the reason we celebrate Juneteenth.

"we want our young people to know where they came from," said Powell.

And know that this celebration is one for personal freedom


"Ive gone through where we had to go in the back door, Ive gone through where we had to stand in the back of the line," said Aubrey Todd, vice president of the committee.

when Lincoln sign the Emancipation Proclamation in 1862 he granted every American their freedom.

"General Granger didn't get to Galveston until 1865 with the proclamation saying that you're free," said Powell.

And while it took a while for the news to spread, on June 19, 1865 word finally reached Galveston, Texas.

"Where he was with the proclamation from 1863 to 1865 I have no earthly idea," said Powell.


Powell says this years parade will honor several significant African American of the community.

"this is going to be the biggest and the best Juneteenth we've ever had, and we've had some good one,
said Powell.

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