The Natchitoches Black Heritage Committee will host a Juneteenth Celebration at the Natchitoches Arts Center Sunday, June 19 at 3 p.m. The speaker will be Michael McClanahan of Baton Rouge. McClanahan is the president of the NAACP’s Baton Rouge Branch.

Originating in Galveston, Texas in 1865, the observance of this day in history has spread.Today thisoldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the U.S. acknowledges African American freedom and emphasizes education and achievement. It is a time for reflection and rejoicing.