by Jasmine Harvey

Universe With Jaz

Without truly knowing Juneteenth as a child, I was enthralled with the love and camaraderie during my first celebration of this historic and recently declared “national holiday.” Now as an adult I wanted to know more.

On September 22nd, 1862 President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation freeing slaves from their bonds in the United States. Word of this proclamation reached the ears of former slaves over two years later, on June 19th, 1865.

It was the driving force of the late Senator Maxine Horner and Senator Penny Williams who brought Juneteenth to Tulsa in 1988. Senator Horner and Senator Williams created the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame to help push it forward. Senator Horner wanted black culture to have a voice – one that brings awareness to the trials and tribulations of the Black Community, and local & international talent gave voice and celebration to Juneteenth.

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