The U.S. Mission to Turkey celebrated Juneteenth in Adana

The U.S. Mission in Turkey hosted the third official Juneteenth celebration in Adana by organizing an event inspired by Texas traditions for over 100 Turkish and American guests. Together, they celebrated the American holiday based on the experiences and history of African Americans, emphasizing their contributions to the national story of America.

American film producer Leola Calzolai-Stewart, who came from Texas to Adana, delivered the opening speech as the director of the film ‘The American Diplomat,’ which focuses on three pioneering African American diplomats. In her speech, she said:

‘Juneteenth is such an important day. It is an opportunity to think about and celebrate an undeniable freedom. We should celebrate every step taken towards more freedom, opportunity, and equality for everyone.’

The Titan Gospel choir from Incirlik Air Base energized the audience with the song ‘Lift Every Voice and Sing,’ reminding that African Americans must raise their voices alongside individuals in their communities to demand and protect human rights for every generation. Guests also learned about pioneering African American diplomats in the United States through a photo exhibition during the event.

After her presentation at the Adana Consulate’s Juneteenth event, Ms. Calzolai-Stewart met with filmmakers, academics, and members of the diplomatic community in Adana, Istanbul, and Ankara for Juneteenth-related programs.

This year marks the fourth year of commemorating June 19th – or Juneteenth – as a federal holiday in memory of the end of slavery in the United States. Today, on June 17, 2021, it was recognized as a federal holiday by President Joe Biden’s signing of the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act. Juneteenth is historically known as the day on June 19, 1865, when the news of President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation of 1863 reached the last slaves in Texas.