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Apopka City Council

City Council commits support for Apopka Juneteenth Parade and Celebration

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On “Freedom’s Eve,” or the eve of January 1, 1863, the first Watch Night services took place. On that night, enslaved and free African Americans gathered in churches and private homes all across the country awaiting news that the Emancipation Proclamation had taken effect. At the stroke of midnight, prayers were answered as all enslaved people in Confederate States were declared legally free.

Related: A Black history primer on African Americans’ fight for equality – 5 essential reads

But not everyone in Confederate territory would immediately be free.

Freedom finally came on June 19, 1865, when some 2,000 Union troops arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas. The army announced that the more than 250,000 enslaved black people in the state, were free by executive decree. This day came to be known as "Juneteenth," by the newly freed people in Texas. 

And next month, Apopka will celebrate that freedom.

Valerie Sparkman, owner of Just Like Momma’s Soul Food and Wings in Apopka, and a longtime member of the Apopka Juneteenth Committee, addressed the Apopka City Council during the public comment to clarify concerns over city involvement and funding. Sparkman explained that the committee had been informed of a $12,000 allocation set aside for the Juneteenth celebration but was told those funds would only be accessible through a formal partnership with the city.

“We wouldn’t mind partnering with the city,” Sparkman said, “but we don’t want you to take over because this would be our seventh year doing it and we’ve been doing it with just donations and sponsorships all this time, in order to transform outreach.”

Sparkman also expressed concerns about event-related costs, particularly after the Apopka Police Department informed the committee that they would need to pay for law enforcement coverage at this year’s event, something that hadn’t been required in previous years.

“How else can we partner with you other than the police?” asked Commissioner Nick Nesta.

Sparkman replied, “The cost of the building, the insurance for the Billie Dean Center, and entertainment can help bring in more recognition for the national holiday.”

In response, the council agreed to extend the same level of city support that is provided for the city’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day event. The special license agreement for such events includes police, as well as event infrastructure such as barricades, stages, and generators.

Later in the meeting, when the item formally appeared on the agenda, Interim Parks and Recreation Director Cindy Edwards requested approval for street closures to accommodate the Juneteenth parade route. The council approved the request unanimously.

Apopka’s Juneteenth Celebration is on Saturday, June 14th. The parade starts at 2pm on the corner of 10th Street and Central Avenue. The festival begins after the parade at Alonzo Williams Park.

Why is Juneteenth?, When is Juneteenth?, How can I celebrate Juneteenth in Apopka?, How can I sponsor the Juneteenth event in Apopka?

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