Hundreds crowded the Jepson Center on Saturday to celebrate freedom and African culture during the museums 11th annual Juneteenth celebration.

Juneteenth, which is celebrated on June 19, recognizes June 19, 1865 the day Texas, the last state to abolish slavery, emancipated its slaves.

Today is about freedom, said Harry DeLorme, museum senior coordinator. We have a little bit of everything for everyone and some great performances.

The museums event was held Saturday to avoid clashing with other Juneteenth celebrations in the city, DeLorme said.

The family-friendly event, which ran from 1 to 4 p.m., featured cultural exhibits, kids activities and live dance performances from local groups such as the Abeni Cultural Arts Performing Dance Studio.

Dance is universal, said Devan Cokley, an Abeni dancer. People should know that there is more out there besides ballet, jazz and others typical things that you make think of. Through dance, you can celebrate a culture and African dances celebrate the African culture and our roots.

Visitors also got the opportunity to learn about historic traditions such as the basket making and creations of Kente Cloth and participated in a libations ceremony.

Vaughnette Goode-Walker, who coordinates the annual event at the Jepson, said she has seen history change before her eyes in Savannah.

This is all about history, Goode-Walker said.

And Saturday was all about learning from history to create a better future, according to Gregory Grant, a basket maker tabling at Saturdays event.

There is the legend of the Sankofa Bird that flies forward with its head looking backward, he said. You cannot know where you are going without knowing where you came from.

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Savannah celebrates freedom at annual Juneteenth event - Savannah Morning News