May 26, 2005

African American pioneer life celebrated

The Emancipation Proclamation and pioneer life of African Americans along the American River will be celebrated at the annual Juneteenth celebration, “Reclaiming the Past: African Americans along the American River,” from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, June 18 at Negro Bar State Park in Folsom. The event is cosponsored by Sacramento State.

Reenactments of African American gold camps, a military encampment of Buffalo Soldiers, and other aspects of life during the Gold Rush will be showcased as a window into the African American experience in early California. Other activities include free wagon rides, gold panning, storytelling and activities for children such as 19th-century games of hoop rolling, marbles and jacks.

“Our focus is on the history of this area and telling that story,” said Joe Moore, Juneteenth organizer and project director of the University’s Underground Railroad Digital Archive. Negro Bar is one of the first places where African Americans panned for gold in California.

Participants may bring picnic lunches and beverages. There are no food vendors on the premises. Alcohol and glass containers are not permitted in the park. Entrance fees are $7 per vehicle, or $5 for seniors.

For more information, contact Moore at (916) 278-3510. For media assistance, contact Sacramento State Public Affairs at (916) 278-6156.

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