Runners Hit the Pavement to Kick off Juneteenth Celebrations
NewsCentral Staff
Story Created:
Jun 9, 2012 at 10:04 PM EDT
Story Updated:
Jun 9, 2012 at 11:03 PM EDT
Joggers ran around Tattnall Square Park Saturday morning to raise money for a good cause and kick off a local celebration.
About 75 people ran in the 10th annual Salute to Freedom 5K Run-Walk for Health and Peace.The 5K run - walk is the first event in the Juneteenth Freedom Festival celebrations going on in the next week
Juneteenth commemorates when President Abraham Lincoln sent federal troops to the south to enforce the Emancipation Proclamation and free slaves.
Event organizers say while the festival is used to remember the past, the run - walk and other events help people look to the future by bringing the community together and ensuring everyone's freedom.
"We initiated it 10 years ago for the express purpose of bringing together a cross section of the community to focus on health and peace,” race director Clarence Thomas Jr. said. “It's very important and imperative that people focus and concentrate on staying healthy and being healthy.”
After the race, awards were given to the top finishers. The main Juneteenth event will be held next Saturday at Tattnall Square Park beginning at 3 p.m.
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