Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Juneteeth - Freedom at Last!

Source of Image: Click HERE

Juneteenth is the largest celebration of the end of slavery in the nation. The origins of this day go back to Galveston Texas, when on June 19th, 1865, General Granger sailed into Galveston Harbor and informed the enslaved population that they were no longer to be held in bondage.



And so it began. The declaration made in the city of Galveston Texas, on June 19th, bringing word from Washington that all enslaved people were free brought immediate change in that small southern city. The celebration in Galveston Texas is the oldest celebration of its kind and has now spread throughout the nation as the celebration of freedom!

Within hours the word spread throughout the city and one can only imagine the emotions. Some were surprised, some were in doubt, some were afraid of what lay ahead, and many were simply put, jubilant. No more would their children be sold. No more would their loved ones be whipped and humiliated, and no more would they live in officially sanctioned misery. At long last prayers of decades had been answered, and they had a chance to have a real beginning to their lives and move forward in a new land, where justice and equality was no longer an empty word.

On that day America became a better land.


Friday, June 7, 2013

Checking in at the California Genealogy Jamboree 2013

Genealogist Tim Pinnick signs in at the speaker registration table.





Well, the activities began as travelers arrived from all over the country to attend the Genealogy Jamboree. Yesterday early arrivals had a chance to attend the special DNA programs and attend an luncheon that was said to have been informative and lively. I arrived in the late afternoon due to a flight delay, but was excited to meet people at registration, many of whom I have only known through social media.

The folks at SCGS registration were friendly and inviting and even had a bag of treats for the speakers.







One young lady I have been following for several years is Elyse Doerflinger. She was there beaming and smiling and greeting everyone. Those of us who have followed her know that she had recently graduated from college, having earned her bachelor's degree. And yes, we also know that she  is recently engaged and yes, I got to see the ring, too.  She was lots of fun and joy to meet!





Elyse Doerflinger at the registration area.

It's always fun to see people from Facebook and other social media. It was also exciting to see familiar faces as well. Judy Ruzsell, The Legal Genealogist was there chatting with Cyndi Howells and others. I also ended up having dinner with Judy, whom I had met last year at Samford. What a treat to see her here. 


Judy Russell (right) chatting with Cyndi Howells (2nd from right) and others at registration.

The events for the Jamboree look exciting and I can't wait to get to the Exhibit Hall, to give my presentation and to meet everyone.  

So it all begins!!!