LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) – Juneteenth celebrations took place at Columbian Park’s Memorial Island from 12 to 4 p.m. on Saturday.
Juneteenth, also known as Emancipation Day, is the oldest nationally-celebrated commemoration of the end of slavery in the United States. In partnership with the Hanna Community Center and those a part of the Juneteenth Committee, celebrations featured a range of activities and vendors supported by local sponsors.
The event included drum circles, dancing, art, foods, a community choir and much more. All activities were provided at no cost.
“It’s just been the ability to get some visibility across the entire community. I think what we’re after is reaching lots of families, diverse families, and celebrating black excellence and black joy. There’s not always an opportunity to do so in Indiana communities but in this community in particular a space has been created and we’re just happy to be able to celebrate that,” said Ebony Barrett, member of the Juneteenth Committee.
The Juneteenth committee is also recognizing community members for their achievements and hard work through the Living Legacy Award and Civic Engagement Award. The hope is for these awards to inspire more.
“We want young children to see positivity in their being, which they don’t always get to see that. So when they see someone uplift in the community, doing that gives them something to aspire to be,” Barrett said.
To get involved or find more events, information can be found here.
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