Welcome to the Annual Juneteenth Celebration!
- BEHE is a community organization dedicated to the preservation of African American Education in Douglas County with particular attention focused on the experiences before desegregation.
- On June 19, 1865, Major General Gordan Grainger arrived in Galveston, Texas and announced that the Civil War was over and all the slaves were free. President Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation had gone into effect on January 1, 1963, however, for many reasons the decree had not yet taken affect in Texas.
- Juneteeneth originated as a celebration of the ending of slavery in Texas with thousands dancing, singing and feasting. Other cities have followed this tradition over the years with festivities and recounting events of the past.
- Proceeds from the festival will be used to help fund programs and further the mission of BEHE.
Co-Chairs of the 2011 Annual BEHE Juneteenth Festival:
Henry Mitchell III &
Councilman Sam Davis
For additional information please contact
Frankie Morris, President at 770.489.6577 or Jackie Copeland, Secretary at 770.489.0592 or the Douglasville Welcome Center at 1.800.661.0113
