The Significance of Juneteenth National Independence Day
The significance of Juneteenth National Independence Day gained a new spark after President Biden declared it a Federal Holiday in 2021 to commemorate the end of slavery in the United States.
The name is a blend of the words “June” and “Nineteenth,” hence “Juneteenth.”
It is also a significant event in American history that traces its roots back to June 19, 1865, even if it was not widely recognized for a long time.
On that day, Major General Gordon Granger ordered the final enforcement of the Emancipation Proclamation in Texas at the end of the American Civil War.
The African American culture has been celebrating this event since 1866 when church-centered community gatherings in Texas evolved into a nationwide event marking their day of Independence from slavery.
This day is also known as Jubilee Day, Emancipation Day (Texas), Freedom Day, or Black Independence Day.
Most of the celebrations fall now on June 19 or the third Saturday in June.
Historian Mitch Kachun considers that celebrations of the end of slavery have three main goals: “to celebrate, to educate, and to agitate.”
I invite you to join one of the many events in Greensboro this week.
Get to know this event’s roots and learn more about the African American culture.
Monday: Art News Today
William “Bill” Mangum
Tucked away on a side street in the heart of downtown Greensboro, NC, sits the studio of one of the most recognized landscape painters, William “Bill” Mangum.
You undeniably have seen some of his works, but you may not recognize that these are his creations.
Even though Bill has captured the beauty of other countries, like England, Italy, Austria, and Switzerland, his signature landscape art is to capture the manifold of our state, North Carolina.
Besides being a gifted painter, Bill is also an author, designer, keynote speaker, and philanthropist.
He has published 8 books and 2 films, and his exhibitions can be seen all over the US and overseas.
Unquestionably, his philanthropic work benefits various non-profit organizations in our community and statewide.
I am one of the lucky ones who owns a beautiful picture of our great city of Greensboro, NC, which he made.
Tuesday: Foodie News Today
Undercurrent Restaurant
It’s Tuesday, and you know already what this means.
We introduce you to yet another independent restaurant in downtown Greensboro, NC.
This time, we will virtually visit Undercurrent Restaurant located on Battleground Avenue.
Undercurrent Restaurant is known for its “fine dining” ambiance. It has been in the top 10 of the elegant dining list since 1998. There, you enter a world of culinary excellence and experience a unique eating adventure.
This restaurant is a splendid choice for a delicious lunch, an afternoon cocktail, or an intimate date night.
If you are looking for a great spot for your next business dinner or lunch, you will find this place very suitable. There is also a “separate room” that offers more privacy.
The staff prides itself on providing outstanding service and the food is farm-to-table, with seasonal dishes and in collaboration with local farmers.
The brother duo Chris and Wes Wheeler are the faces of this restaurant. You will most likely see them interacting with their guests when you visit.
Please let me know if you have already visited this restaurant and your impressions.
If you haven’t visited yet, what are you waiting for?
Tell them Marion from Travel Like a Local sends you!
Wednesday: Architectural News Today
Michael Sherwood House
The Michael Sherwood House is one of a very small number of antebellum residences in downtown Greensboro, NC. You can see it at 426 West Friendly Avenue.
Michael Swaim Sherwood, publisher of The Greensborough Patriot (1839-1860s), built the house probably between 1849 and 1851.
He was a relative of William Swaim, the well-known founding editor of “The Patriot” newspaper, and the grandfather of author William Sidney Porter, pen name O. Henry.
The Michael Sherwood House was built in the Greek Revival architecture style.
It was constructed on a five-acre tract of land on the western fringe of the village.
The two-story brick structure features closed pediment end-gables, a rectangular transom window, and simple six-over-six windows.
Its two-tiered front portico with Roman Doric columns is an early twentieth-century addition.
Handsomely landscaped with feature trees, the Sherwood House remains a rare surviving touchstone of the antebellum period in one of North Carolina’s largest cities.
It is private.
Thursday: History Facts Today
Flag History
As June 14th marks Flag Day in the United States, I find it very appropriate to use our History Facts Day to dig deeper into the meaning and symbolism of the American flag, the national flag of the United States.
As many of you might know, our flag consists of 13 stripes and 50 stars. The stripes represent the 13 British Colonies that declared independence from Great Britain, and the stars symbolize the 50 US states.
The flag’s design has been officially modified 26 times since its beginning in 1777.
The last change was adopted on July 4th, 1960, to add the 50th State – Hawaii.
This makes the current version the longest-used version of the American Flag.
Little tidbit: Stars and Stripes, Old Glory, and The Star-Spangled Banner are all nicknames of the American Flag.
Always make sure you use the correct flag etiquette and respect toward this national symbol.
Friday: Fun Weekend News
Greensboro Science Center
Are you looking for a fun activity (or two) for the weekend?
Something like:
- Searching for dinosaurs?
- Watching the penguins?
- Exploring the making of a tornado?
- Observing the monkeys?
- Zipping?
- Or take a spin on an old and lovingly restored “merry-go-round”?
You can do all of these activities by visiting the Greensboro Science Center and more.
This is the place for the young and the young at heart to spend a day full of various activities and have lots of fun.
Will I see you there over the summer?
What would be your favorite spot to visit?
Even if we haven’t met …yet, I must share that Friday is my favorite day.
What is yours?
Conclusion of the second week of June 2024
I can’t say it often enough – but Summer is in full swing!
Make the most of these long days and warm nights.
Visit your favorite places in Greensboro, NC, and explore the new ones inspired by my posts.
Spoil your taste buds in some restaurants, explore the vibrant atmosphere of the free events offered throughout the city, or get your heart pumping with outdoor activities.
There is no better way to enjoy summer than spending time with family and friends and creating memories in our town.
If you want to learn more about our great city of Greensboro, NC, subscribe to our newsletter and read the previous ones for more tips and fascinating subjects.
REMEMBER:
Contact me to book your guided walking tours quickly:
Watch for the dates and join me in the most attractive for you.
You can join me on one of my tours, at a restaurant, or outside in the parks.
Drop me a line if you’d like to meet up at marion@travellikealocalwithmarion.com.
Marion
Your Tour Guide with Heart