OKLAHOMA CITY — The Oklahoma Historical Society will commemorate Juneteenth with a free educational program at the Oklahoma History Center on Thursday, June 19. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and the program will start at 6 p.m.
Juneteenth is the celebration of emancipation following the U.S. Civil War. U.S. Army General Gordon Granger proclaimed the end of slavery in Texas at Galveston on June 19, 1865. News of emancipation spread to the enslaved people of Indian Territory throughout that summer.
Attendees will have the opportunity to learn from and take photos with Bass Reeves reenactors Oscar and Shiron Ray.
Award-winning author Art T. Burton will also give a presentation about the experiences of Black lawmen on the frontier during the event.
Burton is the author of several books, including “Black, Red, and Deadly: Black and Indian Gunfighters of the Indian Territory, 18701907” and “Black Gun, Silver Star: The Life and Legend of Frontier Marshal Bass Reeves,” which can be purchased during the event. Burton will be available for a book signing after his presentation.
This annual event is organized by the Black Heritage Committee and the Oklahoma Historical Society.
No registration is required. Light refreshments will be served during the event.
