By DON FLETCHER
News Staff Writer
Atmore’s Juneteenth observance, held last Thursday, June 19, at the Cornelia Elmore Library Memorial was basically a celebration of the date (June 19, 1865) when about 2,000 federal troops freed the last group of Americans still under servitude.
The observance, which drew only 19 citizens and two news reporters, paid homage to the enforcement of President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation but quickly became a tribute to the woman for whom the memorial is named.
James McNeil, who designed the Elmore memorial, and event co-sponsor Eunice Johnson spoke of the past and the end of slavery, as did Paulette German, but most of their remarks were about Cornelia Elmore, who founded Atmore’s first library for black residents and worked tirelessly to make sure education opportunities were available to black children.
Arralean Ellis, a great-granddaughter of Ms. Elmore and an Atmore native who now lives in Fairfax, Va., was recognized and spoke briefly about her famed ancestor. Also recognized was Physsel Johnson, a grandniece of the trailblazing educator.
Even those in attendance came as a tribute to the late librarian.
“I’m here mainly because I wanted to honor Miss Elmore,” Gwendolyn Frye said.
A blistering Alabama sun kept most of the small crowd beneath tents during the ceremony, although gentle breezes provided occasional relief, and attendees were treated to free grilled food and cold drinks at the end of the observance.