NATCHEZ, Miss. — The City of Natchez officially recognized July 13 as “Julyteenth Day” Monday, with Mayor Dan Gibson issuing a proclamation commemorating the day Union troops arrived in Natchez in 1863 to enforce the Emancipation Proclamation and bring freedom to thousands of enslaved people in the region.
Speaking from the front steps of City Hall, Gibson described July 13 as “one of the most important days in the history of our city,” saying many residents may not fully understand the significance of the date.
The ceremony opened with a prayer by Rev. Clifton Marvel of Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church before Gibson reflected on a weekend of community events that culminated with Monday’s proclamation. Activities included historical presentations, discussions on healing and reconciliation, a wreath-laying ceremony at Forks of the Road, and educational programs highlighting Natchez’s role in American history.
Front row: Thelma Newsome (Dr. Banks’ House Museum); Alderwoman Valencia Hall, Mayor Dan Gibson, Vel Robinson (City of Natchez Community Liaison)
Second row: Jeff Mansell (Historian, Natchez National Historical Park), Norma West (Trustee Pro Tempore, Zion Chapel AME Church, Julyteenth Organizing Committee member, past president of The Downtown Natchez Alliance board of directors); The Rev. Clifton Marvel (need name of his church – Macedonia); Chesney Doyle (Executive Director, Downtown Natchez Alliance).
Third row: Joe Smith, Founder, blacknatchez.org; Dr. Roscoe Barnes, Director of Cultural Heritage, Visit Natchez.
Why July 13?
The Emancipation Proclamation, issued by President Abraham Lincoln, took effect on Jan. 1, 1863, declaring that enslaved people in Confederate-held territory were to be free. However, enforcement depended on the advance of Union forces during the Civil War.
According to the City of Natchez proclamation, Union troops entered Natchez on July 13, 1863, enforcing the Emancipation Proclamation locally and bringing freedom to thousands of enslaved men, women and children in the area. Because of that historical event, city leaders say July 13 holds special significance in Natchez’s history.
The date is distinct from Juneteenth, observed nationally on June 19 each year. Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when Union Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger announced in Galveston, Texas, that enslaved people there were free, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation took effect. Juneteenth became a federal holiday in 2021.
The Natchez proclamation notes that July 13, 1863, occurred nearly two years before the events traditionally commemorated by Juneteenth in Texas.
Proclamation recognizes city’s past and continued remembrance
The proclamation also acknowledges Natchez’s place in the history of American slavery, noting that the city was home to Forks of the Road, one of the nation’s largest slave markets.
“Slavery was a profound moral evil that denied the God-given dignity of human life,” the proclamation states.
It further recognizes that the arrival of freedom transformed Natchez into a destination for formerly enslaved people seeking liberty and describes how Forks of the Road later became a place where newly freed men enlisted in the United States Colored Troops.
“As we commemorate Julyteenth, we honor the resilience, determination, and enduring spirit of those who endured unimaginable hardship,” the proclamation states. “We also reaffirm our responsibility to remember this history, educate future generations, and continue striving for understanding and reconciliation in order to better achieve equality and opportunity for all.”
The proclamation concludes by encouraging residents “to pause to remember the sins of the past, to celebrate the remarkable progress together that we as a community have made, and to recommit ourselves to the work that still lies ahead.”
Community leaders reflect on the observance
During his remarks, Gibson credited the late Ser Seshsh Ab Heter-C.M. Boxley, known locally as Ser Boxley, with helping preserve the history of Forks of the Road and promoting recognition of July 13’s significance.
“If it were not for his efforts, Forks of the Road would have been forgotten,” Gibson said. “It is Ser Boxley who brought about the remembrance that July 13 was the day that freedom arrived in Natchez.”
The mayor also recognized the work of the National Park Service, including former Natchez National Historical Park Superintendent Kathleen Bond and park ranger Jeff Mansell, along with community volunteers who organized the weekend’s commemorative events.
Ward 1 Alderwoman Valencia Hall shared that members of her family, Henry Cole Sr. and Henry Cole Jr., served in the 58th United States Colored Troops Regiment.
“I’m grateful for my relatives who served as members of the U.S. Colored Troops 58th Regiment here in Natchez,” Hall said, adding that she was thankful their service continues to be remembered.
Gibson also announced that the Mayor and Board of Aldermen were expected to consider awarding a contract during Tuesday’s meeting for a memorial park honoring the United States Colored Troops. The proposed park would be located on the Natchez bluff where soldiers once assembled before formations.
A growing “Freedom Season”
Downtown Natchez Alliance Executive Director Chesney Doyle said the recognition of Julyteenth further defines what she describes as Natchez’s local “Freedom Season.”
According to Doyle, the season begins with Memorial Day and continues through several commemorative dates, including the city’s Day of Unity on June 14, Independence Day on July 4, Juneteenth, and now Julyteenth on July 13.
Looking ahead
Mayor Gibson said he hopes the proclamation will remain on display at City Hall as a reminder of an important chapter in Natchez’s history.
“We as a people need to come together now more than ever before to realize those dreams of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness,” Gibson said before closing the ceremony. “May God bless Natchez.”
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