Crispus Attucks 11th Annual "Men Who Cook"

06.10.18 |

Lancaster, PA -  Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology hosted  Crispus Attucks Community Center's 11th Annual Men Who Cook Juneteenth Celebration on Sunday, June 10, 2018. This annual event brings the community together over a meal, music, and a short history program.

History of Juneteenth

Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration commemorating the ending of slavery in the United States. Dating back to 1865, it was on June 19th that the Union soldiers, led by Major General Gordon Granger, landed at Galveston, Texas with the news that the war had ended and that the enslaved were now free. Note that this was two years after Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation - which had become official January 1, 1863. The Emancipation Proclamation had little impact on the Texans due to the minimal number of Union Troops to enforce the new Executive order. However, with the surrender of General Lee in April of 1865, and the arrival of General Granger's regiment, the forces were finally strong enough to influence and over the resistance. 

Juneteenth today

Today, Juneteenth celebrates African American freedom while encouraging self-development and respect for all cultures. As it takes on a more national and even global perspective, the events of 1865 in Texas are not forgotten, for all of the roots tie back to the fertile soil from which a national day of pride is growing. 

This year, Crispus Attucks is excited that the men of WGAL-TV have agreed to be Celebrity Chefs along with over 30 Local Chefs who will share and show-off their culinary skills! Re-enactors from the Lydia Hamilton Society channeled historical figures such as Lydia Hamilton Smith and Thaddeus Stevens to share historical stories and engage the audience. 

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"Men Who Cook" participants