FREESTONE COUNTY JUDGE Linda Grant signs a proclamation for a Juneteenth celebration planned next week in Fairfield. Pictured with the judge are Michael Daniels and Sharon Gibson. Area residents are invited to attend a celebration of Juneteenth, commemorating the abolition of slavery in Texas, on Friday, June 19, in Fairfield.

The Juneteenth Festival is from 6-9 p.m. at True Vine Doxa Center, 917 S. Fairway.

On tap are music and refreshments.

Juneteenth is the oldest know celebration commemorating the end of slavery in the United States.

The observance dates back to June 19, 1865, when Union soldiers led by Major Gen. Gordan Granger landed at Galveston with news that the Civil War had ended and that slaves were now free.

Juneteenth was two and one-half years after President Abraham Lincoln issued his Emancipation Proclama-tion.

As one of his first orders of business in Texas, Gen. Granger read General Order No. 3 which begins: "The people of Texas are informed that accordance with a proclamation from the executive of the United States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and free laborer."

Often church grounds were the site for celebrating Juneteenth, but as African Americans became landowners, land was donated and dedicated for these activities.

For example, the Juneteenth organization in Mexia purchased Booker T. Washington Park which became the celebration site in 1898.

The celebration is a day of renewal and pride for African-Americans, but is inclusive of all races, ethnicities and nationalities.

Anyone interested in performing during the celebration in Fairfield is asked to call 903-389-5830.