Big August Quarterly facts for kids

The Big August Quarterly is a special yearly festival held in Wilmington, Delaware. People sometimes call it "Big Quarterly" or "August Quarterly." It's a time for celebration, faith, and community. This festival started way back in 1814 and is the oldest celebration of its kind in the United States!

It was started by a religious leader named Peter Spencer. He began it as part of a regular meeting for his church, the African Union Church. Out of four meetings held each year, the one in August became the most important. It was where church leaders announced plans for the next year.

The August Quarterly was a chance for all Black people, both those who were free and those who were enslaved, to gather. They came from many different states to celebrate their faith. They would sing, dance, share their stories, and enjoy big meals together.

A Celebration of Freedom

The August Quarterly became like an "Independence Day" for Black people living in the Delmarva Peninsula area. This was a time when many people were still enslaved.

Helping People Find Freedom

In the early days of the festival, important people who fought against slavery often came to Wilmington. These included brave individuals like Thomas Garrett and Harriet Tubman. They were part of the Underground Railroad, a secret network that helped enslaved people escape to freedom. They would be in the area to help those who wanted to escape during this special gathering.

A Lasting Tradition

Today, the Big August Quarterly is still a very important event. It continues to be a time for people to reunite, celebrate their faith, and remember the importance of freedom. It brings together people from Wilmington, Delaware, and the surrounding areas for a joyful celebration.