NORRISTOWN, Pa. – In anticipation of upcoming Juneteenth events across the county, Montgomery County announced plans to hold the inaugural Art and Prose of Freedom contest.
The theme for this year’s contest is “What does freedom mean to you?” Students are encouraged to use their imagination to define or redefine freedom in 2022 in the spirit of Juneteenth. Students can submit entries for poetry, essays, and art for a chance to win prizes. The prize awards will be based on grade categories and entry criteria.
The contest is open to students enrolled in public, private, parochial, or home schools located in Montgomery County. The deadline for submission is May 27, 2022. To view the contest guidelines, visit: www.montcopa.org/4147/Art-Prose-of-Freedom-Contest-Guidelines.
“While often celebrated in Black communities, many Americans have remained unaware of Juneteenth’s significance until more recently. We are working to change that,” said Donna L. Richemond, chief of diversity, equity, and inclusion for Montgomery County. “The purpose of these events is to highlight poignant and current issues through displays of culture, collaboration, commerce, unity and education.”
On June 17 at 10 a.m., Montgomery County will hold its first Juneteenth flag-raising ceremony at the Montgomery County Courthouse, on the corner of Swede and Airy Streets in Norristown. The event, which is open to the public will feature speakers, a reading of the Emancipation Proclamation, and presentations from the winners of the 2022 Art and Prose of Freedom Contest.
The County and community organizations are hosting several events in June to celebrate the commemoration of the end of slavery in the U.S. Although the Emancipation Proclamation took effect in 1863, it was not until June 19, 1865, that enslaved people in Texas were finally freed. For information about Montgomery County Juneteenth events and contest information please visit www.montcopa.org/Juneteenth.
The site will be updated regularly with new information. Residents and community groups may also use this form to submit Juneteenth community events for posting on the County’s Juneteenth website.
Juneteenth, observed on June 19, has been an official Montgomery County holiday since 2020.
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