From staff reports
Clarion University will host its 19th annual Juneteenth celebration, “Don’t Get Weary,” at 11 a.m. June 18, via zoom. All are welcome to join by going to clarion.zoom.us.
Dr. Laurie Carter, a 1986 graduate of Clarion University, will be the keynote speaker. Carter is president of Shippensburg University.
The Episcopal Diocese of Western New York and Northwestern Pennsylvania will join the celebration. In honor of that partnership, presiding Bishop Curry of the Episcopal Church in the United States of America will provide a brief recorded message.
Juneteenth began in Texas. Although the Emancipation Proclamation was issued Jan. 1, 1863, slaves in Texas didn’t receive word until two-and-a-half years later, on June 19, 1865, that they were free.
Clarion’s Juneteenth is sponsored by Clarion University and Clarion Area Chamber of Business and Industry.
The celebration is free and open to the public.