Williams to salute Fourth of July and Juneteenth
When Vanessa Williams hosts this year’s televised “A Capitol Fourth” celebration, she will not only honor the nation’s traditional Independence Day, but also the country’s newly designated holiday — Juneteenth.
Williams, who was the first Black woman to be crowned Miss America, will sing African American anthem “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”
“It’s in celebration of the wonderful opportunity that we now have to celebrate Juneteenth. So we are reflective of the times,” she told the Associated Press on Thursday while promoting this year’s show.
Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of African American slaves and has been celebrated annually on June 19in various parts of the United States. It was made a federal holiday this year. “A Capitol Fourth” is marking 41years on the air. The show is broadcast to millions of viewers on PBS and streaming platforms as well as troops around the globe.