ROANOKE, Va.- – There was an effort Monday to remember an important moment in U.S. history.
People from all backgrounds and races came together for the annual Jubilee Day. The Roanoke NAACP organizes the jubilee celebration each New Year's Day to commemorate the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation which abolished slavery in the United States.
The organization's youth council was in charge of the program held at Loudon Avenue Christian Church. Students said this Jubilee Day is important for everyone not just African-Americans, to remember.
Blake Barnes, a 2015 graduate of William Fleming High School and a junior at Old Dominion University gave this year's keynote address.