Union County Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados has been selected by the Friends of New Jersey Legacy Foundation to be honored with their Outstanding Community Service Award at the 2018 Juneteenth Family Reunion on Sunday, June 17.
This year’s Juneteenth celebration will be held at the Elizabeth Waterfront Pier and Marina at the foot of Elizabeth Avenue from 2 -7 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.
“As someone active in the volunteer community, I know that all those who are being honored at this event are passionate, energized, and eager to lend their time and their skills to make a real difference,” said Chairman Granados. “I am very grateful to receive this honor and be recognized for my service at this special commemoration of freedom for all. I also want to congratulate all the fathers who are being honored, and have not only been role models for their children but also for other youth in their communities.”
Chairman Granados, in keeping with his commitment to civic responsibility and service, established the Office of Community Engagement and Diversity as part of his “Moving Union County Forward” initiative. The new office is tasked with supporting and growing volunteer activities by identifying opportunities, coordinating events, building a volunteer network and strengthening relationships with the County’s diverse communities.
The theme of this year’s Juneteenth event is “Celebration of Our African American Men” and fittingly will take place on Father’s Day. The celebration will honor 45 active men who have been influential in their communities.
Juneteenth is recognized as a commemoration of the effective end to slavery in the United States. While President Lincoln delivered his famous Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, many slave owners in Southern states failed to inform their slaves of the landmark decision.
It took until June 19, 1865 – over two years after Lincoln’s address freeing slaves – for Union soldiers to ride into Galveston, Texas and announce the abolition of slavery there.
Hence, Juneteenth is a celebration of the emancipation of all slaves. Every year around June 19, people participate in parades and cultural events to honor the true end of slavery.
Chairman Granados will be honored as a supporter of the African-American community. Family and friends are invited to pay tribute and honor Granados and other deserving men for their work and service while commemorating the effective end to slavery more than 150 years ago.