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From YouTube: Juneteenth Press Conference
Description
The City of Columbus held their Juneteenth Press Conference on June 1st, 2023 to talk about all the upcoming events happening this year.
A
Good
morning,
good
morning,
everyone
good
morning
all
right
and
what
an
exciting
day
it
is.
My
name
is
Oz
Roberts
and
welcome
to
this
morning's
press
conference
to
announce
some
very
special
events
that
will
be
happening
for
this
year's
Juneteenth
Jubilee
celebration
here
in
the
city
of
Columbus
the
week
of
June
16th
through
19th
and
before
we
officially
get
started,
I'd
like
to
invite
Pastor
Walter
Taylor
of
the
Life
church
for
a
word
of
Prayer
Pastor
Taylor,.
B
First
Corinthians,
15
and
57
says,
but
thanks
be
to
God,
who
gives
us
the
victory
through
our
Lord
Jesus
Christ.
Let
us
pray
God
of
our
weary
years.
God
of
our
silent,
tears,
thou,
who
has
brought
us
thus
far
on
the
way
thou
who
has
by
thy
might
led
us
into
the
light
liberating
God.
We
offer
a
prayer
for
Thanksgiving
and
praise
for
your
hearing.
The
cries
of
the
oppressed
bless
your
name
for
giving
us
the
Victory
and
freedom
over
slavery.
B
We
in
gratitude
unite
all
of
our
hearts
to
reflect
on
where
you
have
brought
us
from
as
we
enter
this
Juneteenth
holiday
celebration
and
commemoration.
Let
us
remember
all
of
our
ancestors
who
long
to
see
this
day
come
breathe
into
US
Eternal
breath
that
we
may
never
Tire
of
ensuring
a
flourishing
life
for
all
people,
but
most
especially
those
brothers
and
sisters
whose
growth
has
been
stifled
by
the
trauma
of
being
enslaved.
Let
us
sing
songs,
o
God
of
joy
and
celebration.
God.
Thank
you
for
the
freedoms.
We
experience.
B
A
A
Thank
you.
Pastor
Taylor,
the
Emancipation
Proclamation
stated
that
if
the
Civil
War
were
won
by
the
Union
soldier
soldiers,
then
slavery
would
no
longer
be
allowed
in
the
United
States
of
America
on
June
19
1865,
nearly
nine
decades
after
our
nation's
founding
and
more
than
two
years
after
the
Pres
after
President
Lincoln
signed
the
Emancipation
Proclamation
enslaved
Americans
at
Ashton
Villa
in
Galveston,
Texas,
finally
received
a
word
that
they
were
free
from
bondage.
A
This
message
was
delivered
by
U.S
major
general
Gordon
Granger,
when
he
issued
general
order
number
three,
which
informed
the
people
of
Texas
that
all
enslaved
people
were
now
free
as
ordered
by
President
Lincoln,
and
you
all
have
flat
have
fans
and
I'll
have
fans.
Thank
you,
I
know
what
it
is
and
it
all
has
the
general
order
number
three
on
it
and
the
general
number
three
states,
the
people
of
Texas
are
informed
that,
in
accordance
with
the
proclamation
from
the
executive
of
the
United
States,
all
slaves
are
free.
A
This
involves
all
and
and
absolute
equality
of
personal
rights
and
rights
of
property
between
former
Masters
and
slaves,
and
the
connections
here
for
in
their
four
is
four
existing
between
them
becomes
that
between
employer
and
higher
labor,
the
freedmen
are
advised
to
remain
quietly
in
their
present
home
and
work
for
wages.
They
are
informed
that
they
will
not
be
allowed
to
collect
military
posts
and
that
they
will
not
be
supported
in
idleness,
either
there
or
elsewhere,
as
ordered
by
Major
General
Granger.
A
Thank
you
so
much
to
all
of
those
people,
the
unity
weekend
and
Juneteenth
Jubilee
committee
is
comprisable
with
30
local
leaders
and
Community
organizers,
the
Commerce
Civic
Center,
as
well
as
several
other
venues
around
the
city
will
host
the
second
unified
celebration.
Starting
today,
we
tomorrow
with
this
press
conference
tomorrow,
we
have
our
closed
or
exhibit
that
opens
up
officially
tomorrow
with
the
gala
tomorrow
night.
A
You
all
we've
all
read
General
row
number
three
as
you'll
see,
and
this
is
the
Juneteenth
flag
and
the
flag.
So
we
can
know
exactly
what
the
meaning
of
the
flag
is,
but
when
the
stars
represent
Texas
the
Lone
Star
State,
it
was
in
Galveston
where
in
1865,
where
Union
Soldiers
informed
the
country
that
the
last
remaining
enslaved
people
that
they
were
free,
but
the
Stars
also
go
beyond
Texas,
representing
the
freedom
of
African
Americans
in
all
50
states.
A
The
curve
that
extends
across
the
width
of
the
Flag
represents
the
New
Horizon
the
opportunities
and
promise
that
lay
ahead
for
black
Americans.
The
bursting
outline
around
the
star
is
inspired
by
Anova,
a
term
that
astronomers
use
to
mean
new
star
on
the
Juneteenth
flag.
It
represents
the
new
beginning
for
all
African
Americans
of
Galveston
and
throughout
all
the
land.
And,
of
course
the
red
white
blue
represents
American
flag
and
a
reminder
that
enslaves
that
they
are
descendants
were
also
Americans.
So
I
hope
this
gives
you
better
context.
That's
exactly
what
the
flag
means.
A
D
Thank
you,
Oz
is
said
if
you
want
to
go
fast,
go
alone,
but
if
you
want
to
go
far,
go
together
and
that's
what
this
June
team
Jubilee
commission
is,
is
Community
Partners
coming
together
to
bring
something
special
to
our
Tri-City
Community
with
members
of
our
June
team
Jubilee
committee.
Please
stand
you
recognize.
D
C
D
Yeah
I'ma
call
you
out,
but
seriously
I'm
so
thankful.
Last
year,
I
said
that
God
said.
If
you
write
the
vision
and
make
it
plain,
he
will
provide
the
provision,
and
he
has
definitely
done
that.
You
know
showed
up
and
showed
out
last
year
and
he
is
going
to
show
up
and
show
out
this
year.
I
have
all
faith.
I
will
now
call
up
our
wonderful
mayor,
who
has
done
amazing
things,
mayor
still
Henderson
to
read
the
official
Proclamation.
C
Good
morning,
everybody
delighted
to
see
all
of
you
back
here.
I
do
want
to
recognize
our
state
representative,
Carolyn
Hughley.
If
you'd
stand
Miss
Hughley,
let
us
thank
you
for
your
presence
and
what
you
do
for
the
citizens
of
Columbus.
Georgia
also
want
to
acknowledge.
Lisa
Goodwin,
you've
heard
her
mention
before
she
is
incredible,
does
an
incredible
job
as
Deputy
city
manager,
but
she
has
taken
on
like
she
had
spare
time
another
task
in
running
temporarily
our
Civic
Center,
and
we
have
to
thank
you
and
your
folks
for
getting
this.
C
This
whole
area
set
up,
particularly
the
tents
last
year,
got
a
little
crowded.
Everybody
hunting
shade
under
the
tree,
but
I
do
want
to
thank
you
for
being
here.
This
is
so
critical.
Columbus
Georgia
is
absolutely
committed
to
to
continuing
to
pursue
complete
equality
and
equity.
There's
so
many
areas
where
we've
made
so
many
strides,
but
there's
an
awful
lot
of
areas
that
we
have
very
very
far
to
go.
C
So
I
also
want
to
recognize
one
other
individual
who
is
busy
recognizing
everybody
else,
and
that
is
your
chairwoman
for
the
Jubilee
Toya
Tucker
has
taken
this
on,
as
it
seems
like
a
personal
quest
in
his
run
with
it,
and
it
was
fantastic
last
year
and
I'm
certain
it's
going
to
eclipse
last
year
early
this
year.
So
I
do
want
to
thank
her
and
ask
you
to
help
me.
Give
her
a
round
of
applause
for
thanks
all
right.
C
Let
us
come
together
as
one
Community,
embracing
the
spirit
of
Juneteenth
and
working
towards
a
future
where
Justice
equality
and
opportunity
Prevail
for
all,
and
whereas
the
Columbus
consolidated
government
and
the
Juneteenth
Jubilee
commission
are
proud
to
celebrate
the
Juneteenth
Holiday
by
coordinating
a
series
of
events
and
activities
during
the
month
of
June
in
honor
of
the
national
holiday
that
commemorates
the
emancipation
of
enslaved,
African
Americans.
Now,
therefore,
I
skip
Henderson.
The
Mayor
of
Columbus
Georgia
to
hereby
Proclaim
May
26
through
June
30th
of
2023
as
Juneteenth
Jubilee.
A
D
A
And
I
know:
last
year
we
had
a
we
had
some
horses
and
some
other
things
that
that
kind
of
got
us
kicked
off,
but
this
year
we're
taking
a
different
approach
but
to
guide
us
through
our
exciting
lineup
for
this
week.
This
year's
events
please
welcome
the
artistic
director
of
the
Springer
Opera
House
Mr
Keith
McCoy.
F
Thank
you
all
for
coming
out
today,
as
associate
artistic
director
for
the
Springer
opera
house,
I'm
proud
to
belong
to
a
team
that
celebrates
culture,
welcomes
diversity
and
supports
inclusion.
Every
day
from
Ma
Rainey
to
the
men
of
Motown.
The
Springer
opera
house
has
always
embraced
the
Legacy
that
recognizes
what
makes
us
unique
can
bind
us
together
as
we
create
and
share
a
collective
history
over
the
next
few
weeks,
culminating
with
the
Juneteenth
weekend.
F
Several
events
will
honor
celebrate
and
commemorate
the
momentous
occasion
of
the
Emancipation
Proclamation,
give
honor
to
our
ancestors
and
celebrate
cultural
Unity
beginning
with
the
closed
story
produced
and
directed
by
Kenneth.
Green
can
be
experienced
now
through
June
30th
at
the
Columbus
Public
Library
on
Macon
Road.
The
family-friendly
exhibit
acknowledges
and
celebrates
black
women
through
the
impactful
stories
and
clothing.
F
F
Raven
Wilkinson
is
credited
with
having
been
the
first
African-American
woman
to
dance
for
a
major
Classical
Ballet
Company
Wilkinson
broke
the
color
barrier
in
1955
when
she
signed
a
contract
to
dance
full-time
with
the
ballet
Roost
De
Monte.
Carlo
closed
story
is
at
the
Columbus
library
a
tremendous
thanks
to
Alan
Harkness
Laura
Ann
Mann,
Henry
McCoy
and
Tiffany
Wilson
for
helping
to
bring
this
year's
closed
story
exhibit
to
you.
F
The
closed
story
exhibit
will
highlight
the
stories
of
several
additional
women
from
Columbus,
including
Mary
Lee,
Bussey,
Sarah,
Yarbrough,
Allen
and
Mildred
Terry,
all
at
the
Columbus
library.
On
the
second
floor
in
the
reading
room,
Kenneth
Green
has
curated
an
amazing
exhibit
next
Juneteenth
also
celebrates
service
to
the
community
and
the
goal
of
Education
Alpha
Kappa
Alpha
sorority
Incorporated
continues
a
20-year
tradition
with
their
annual
Juneteenth
Western
dinner
dance
and
fundraiser
June
16th
at
8
pm.
F
It
promises
to
be
an
exciting
evening
filled
with
live
music,
Western,
Wear,
captivating
performances
and
an
opportunity
for
the
community
to
come
together
for
a
worthy
cause.
The
sisters
Incorporated
scholarship
fund,
which
provides
financial
assistance
to
the
June
to
young
women
pursuing
higher
education.
F
F
The
Juneteenth
Jubilee
is
an
all-day
celebration
on
June
17th
at
the
Civic
Center
that
will
include
live
music
concert,
performances,
food
trucks,
a
vendor,
Marketplace,
a
special
area
just
for
kids,
a
sorority
fraternity
stroll
off
in
the
creation
of
a
commemorative
chalk
mural
by
the
Boys
and
Girls
Club
of
South.
Columbus
activities
also
include
a
presentation
of
the
community
impact
award,
a
community
resource,
fair
and
a
genealogy
area
to
research.
F
F
June
17th
is
opening
day
for
the
men
of
Motown
at
the
historic
Springer
opera
house,
I'm,
proud
to
announce
this
Musical
review
where
Motown
memories
come
alive,
with
songs
by
Marvin,
Stevie,
Smokey,
The,
Jackson,
5
and
more
this
tribute
Will
Make,
You
Dance
in
the
streets
and
stand
on
your
seats.
Here's
a
sneak
preview
from
the
men
of
Motown.
G
G
F
Again
again,
the
minimum
time
will
be
playing
at
the
Springer
Opera
House,
June,
17th
and
18th
for
two
performances
only
so
get
your
tickets.
If
you
have
not
next,
we
will
have
the
light.
The
night
parade,
Sunday,
June
18th,
starting
at
the
AJ
McClung
YMCA
cars,
trucks,
vans
motorcycles
and
more
will
weave
a
route
that
recognizes
and
honors
our
City's
historic
African-American
landmarks.
We
are
encouraging
everyone
to
put
on
your
lights
and
come
on
out
and
celebrate.
F
So
again
put
on
your
lights
and
come
on
out
for
the
light.
The
night
parade
the
weekend
of
Juneteenth
events
culminates
with
a
historic
Unity
Tour
of
black
churches
in
an
ancestral
remembrance
at
the
historic
Pierce
Chapel
African-American
Cemetery
join
the
guided
bike
ride
to
visit
sacred
landmarks
that
are
the
backbone
of
our
community,
beginning
at
the
freedom
bus
depot
and
ending
at
the
Porterdale
Cemetery,
and
we
have
some
bike.
Riders
out
right
now
so
come
out
and
join
them
for
this
ride.
A
Thank
you
Keith
and
everybody,
as
you
can
see,
there's
some
exciting
events
that
we've
got
planned
for
that
for
that
weekend.
So
please
make
sure
that
you
come
out
on
the
flat
on
the
fans
that
you
have.
If
you
will
scan
the
QR
code,
it
would
take
you
directly
to
the
site
on
the
on
the
on
the
government
site
that
will
list
all
of
the
events
that
we
have
planned
for
that
weekend.
So
again,
please
spread
the
word
share.