Happy Juneteenth, Uptown!

Today is the day that slaves in Texas learned they were free men and women back in 1865. While the actual date of the Emancipation Proclamation was effective January 1, 1863, it took almost 6 months for the news to reach Texas so folks in Texas started celebrating the Emancipation on June 19th.  Now 41 states including North Carolina recognize Juneteenth and people in the other 9 celebrate as well. So if you're wondering why the fireworks around the Uptown for the last few days-- now you know.