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Berkeley Juneteenth Festival Sunday

Daily Planet staff
Friday June 15, 2001

One of the city’s largest street fairs is this Sunday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., at Adeline and Alcatraz not far from the Ashby BART.  

The observance of June 19 as the African American Emancipation Day, Juneteenth, is the oldest known celebration of the ending of slavery. It dates back to June 19, 1865, when Union soldiers, led by Major General Gordon Granger, landed at Galveston, Texas. 

One of General Granger’s first orders of business was to read to the people of Texas General Order No. 3 which began: 

“The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free.” 

Berkeley’s fair will celebrate this victory. 

There will be arts, crafts, food and music. Scheduled for the main stage are: Big Belly Blues Band, Morris LeGrand & Band, Gospel Dancers, The Ricardo Scales, O'Town Passion, Park Place Band and the Steppin Stones Band.  

For more info or to volunteer call: 655-8008