Hundreds of people enjoy activities last Saturday at “Juneteenth: A Freedom Celebration” on the waterfront of the James River in South Side at the Manchester Dock. The three-day event, organized by the Elegba Folklore Society and its founder, Janine Y. Bell, marks the date on June 19, 1865, when enslaved people in Texas learned of their freedom after the defeat of the Confederates and Union forces took control of that state. Richmond’s celebration included educational sessions for people of all ages to learn about Africans brought to this nation 400 years ago and their struggles and contributions. At Saturday’s events, called “Independence Day Our Way,” Mary Williams sits in reflection at the site, which once served as a landing point for slave ships on the James River. (Sandra Sellars/Richmond Free Press).
