It wasn’t long in the planning, but New Port Richey’s first annual Juneteenth Celebration came together in record time thanks to Julia Pauls.
Juneteenth originated in 1865 Galveston, Texas when on June 19, federal troops arrived to make sure that all enslaved people were free. It was a full two and a half years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation to free all slaves, but some states were slow to follow the law.
On Thursday, June 17, 2021, President Biden signed legislation making Juneteenth a National Holiday.
As founder of the End Recidivism Project Extreme in New Port Richey and Dade City, Pauls is known for being able to connect people – particularly those who have been encarcertated – with services, whether it be bus passes, housing, clothing or food. When she reaches out, her asks become commands pretty much. So it was no wonder Pauls was able to pull a celebration together with the help of city officials and leaders of local service organizations she works with on a regular basis.
“In the climate we’re having, I think this is perfect timing,” she said, adding that New Port Richey Mayor Rob Marlowe and made his own proclamation declaring Juneteenth a city holiday just as President Biden signed legislation making Juneteenth a National Holiday.
“I really feel like we’re going to be a part of history,” she said. “This is just the start of it.”
Check out the slide show below.
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