Elegba Folklore Society's performers will appear at Juneteenth, a weekend-long celebration of freedom, in Richmond.

By PEGGY CARLSON

Date published: 6/19/2008

The Elegba Folklore Society is sponsoring "Juneteenth: A Freedom Celebration" this weekend in Richmond. The event celebrates Juneteenth National Freedom Day by remembering the impact of the trade of enslaved Africans in Virginia from 1619 to 1865, and its resulting legacy.

The term "Juneteenth" comes from the events of June 19, 1865, when Union Gen. Gordon Granger sailed into Galveston Bay and issued a proclamation freeing a quarter of a million Texas blacks, still in bondage more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued.

The day is a state holiday in Texas, and many regard it as the earliest African-American holiday.

The dual themes of this year's gathering are "Walking in Our Ancestors' Footsteps" and "Social Change, Hip-hop and Election 2008."

Highlights include:

Concert by the hip-hop group, "Dead Prez"

Community African dance class

Dancing and drumming demonstrations

Performance by the Virginia Choral Ensemble

Freedom Market with food, art and imports

Panel discussions

Fashion show

Storytelling

Healing ceremony at burial ground for Negroes

Staged interpretations and much more.

Activities run Friday, 7 to 11 p.m. and Saturday, 3 to 7:15 p.m., at the Greater Richmond Convention Center, Manchester Dock, the Canal Walk Turning Basin, Reconciliation Statue and at the Burial Ground for Negroes at 16th and Broad streets.

Parking is available at the convention center and at the Manchester Dock. Attendees may wear African, RBG or period attire, or come as they are. Walking shoes and water are encouraged.

Admission is $10 in advance and $15 at the door. For details, visit efsinc.org or call 804/644-3900.

Peggy Carlson: 540/374-5400
Email: pcarlson@freelancestar.com

Date published: 6/19/2008