Ashtabula County Semiquincentennial Pre-Festival Event Juneteenth Special Celebration

The presentation is a Special 2026 Juneteenth Celebration in remembrance of June 19, 1865 when the final
enforcement of the Emancipation Proclamation was delivered by Union troops to slaves in Texas two years, six
months and nineteen days after they had been declared free by the United States government. It will feature
amazing music, reenactments, and recital with guest reenactors Bertram Floyd and Frederick Smith
portraying “Ohio’s 5th USCT (US Colored Troops) American Civil War Soldiers” and Karen Johnson as
Harriet Tubman. They will be bringing their stories to life at this Ashtabula County event thanks to
generous sponsors.

The program will also include performances by the People’s Missionary Baptist Church Spirit Choir,
with retired pastor Rev. Dr. German Womack delivering Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King’s “I Have a
Dream” speech coupled with a video clip of Mahalia Jackson singing “I Been Buked and I Been
Scorned”, both delivered at the same 1963 historic event in Washington, D.C.

Jefferson resident Roy Lawson will portray another long-time and historic Jefferson resident: former
slave Charlie Garlick. Dr. John Patterson is the event Moderator.

The event is free of admission.