Lansing - July Fourth is, to some, the most patriotic of all U.S. holidays.
It is celebrated to memorialize the formal separation of the colonies from Great Britain, which ensured America's freedom.
However, many Americans observe another day of independence not found on most calendars.
June 19, also known as Juneteenth or African American Emancipation Day, has yet to be recognized by legislators as an official holiday.
Hundreds gathered in Lansing this past weekend for a three-day celebration titled "Beyond Emancipation - Toward Empowerment" to make a push toward getting legislation to make a holiday of Juneteenth, the day in 1865 when the remaining slaves in Galveston, Texas, were notified of their freedom after the Civil War.
"Recognition is due," said Debra Plummer, chairwoman for the Lansing Juneteenth Committee. "I think that would allow for the diversity that America needs."
The committee has worked at the state level for four years to acquire recognition for the holiday, but has met with few results.
This year, Lansing supported the celebration at Thursday's event at the state Capitol by issuing a proclamation declaring June 19 2004 in the city as Juneteenth.
Event organizers want educators to insert facts about the holiday's history in textbooks.
"Our ancestors did a good job of sharing the history of the African-American people," Plummer said. "They passed stories down and kept them alive among the generations and this is what we are trying to continue."
The sharing of stories continued when Rakell Brandon, a 9-year-old student at Maple Grove Elementary, in Lansing, attended Saturday's event with her mother and father.
Rakell said she had never heard of Juneteenth before attending, and came because she wanted to see the African dancers.
"I think people should learn about it because it's a part of history," Rakell said. "If no one learns about it, then it wouldn't be history."
Brandon's mother, Lansing resident Jennifer Juhas, said learning history is important and she would support a program highlighting Juneteenth in her daughter's education.
Another way the committee is trying to educate the public is with the release of a children's coloring book detailing the history of slavery and emancipation.
"It will inform and educate children on why we celebrate," said Julian Van Dyke, author and illustrator of the book. "It teaches children to carry on the traditions of our ancestors."
Tradition was a primary focus of the celebration.
Activities such as African dance, storytelling and crafts were used at the events to branch out and stress fellowship, organizers said.
That fellowship was not limited to the black community.
"Juneteenth embodies the hope of a better life that freedom brings to oneself and their children, which is a dream everyone has," said Rev. A. Richard Doss, of Mask Memorial Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, 5601 S. Waverly Road, in Lansing.
"Even though it celebrates African American freedom, we are embracing freedom for all of our society.
"Until all of us are free, none of us are free."
