PHOTO BY ELLIOTT ROBINSON. Dr. Lauranett Lee, author of "Making the American Dream Work: A Cultural History of African Americans in Hopewell, Virginia" signs a copy of her book at the Juneteenth kickoff exhibit and reception Friday evening at the Appomattox Regional Library.

The third annual Juneteenth celebration in Hopewell came to its official start Friday evening at the headquarters branch of the Appomattox Regional Library System. An exhibit on Juneteenth was unveiled and featured was a book signing by Dr. Lauranett Lee.
Lee is the curator of African American History at the Virginia Historical Society. She penned a book on the city entitled “Making the American Dream Work: A Cultural History of African Americans in Hopewell, Virginia.”
The Juneteenth exhibit included a history of the celebration, proclamations and artwork related to the celebration. Juneteenth marks the announcement of the Emancipation Proclamation in Texas June 19, 1865. As those slaves were the last to hear of the proclamation, that moment completed the abolition of slavery in the country. Distance and the control of states like Texas by the Confederate army delayed the spread and effect of the 1862 document. The District of Columbia and 31 states recognize Juneteenth as either a state holiday or a state holiday observance.
“This is probably the most celebrated national event,” said Herb Bragg, a member of Hopewell’s Juneteenth committee and director of intergovernmental and public affairs for the city. “As we celebrate the end of slavery, we also debate a new legacy in America. It’s a different part of our history but we must discuss it to let Man know this can never happen again.”
Rebecca Rose, the coordinating chairperson for the Hopewell Juneteenth Planning Commission and founder of the Washington Cultural Foundation first brought the idea for the Juneteenth celebration in Hopewell, at Appomattox Manor, three years ago. Rose once served as executive director of the Philadelphia Juneteenth Coalition when she lived in Pennsylvania. The Philadelphia event, which began in 1995, expanded into a multi-day event.

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