Pottstown Juneteenth celebration Saturday has ‘family reunion’ theme

POTTSTOWN — The theme of this year’s Juneteenth 2025 Celebration, which takes place Saturday, June 14, is “Family Reunion Rooted in Love.”

The event, which is thanks to the efforts of the Juneteenth Planning Committee spearheaded by Denise Williams, will take place on High Street, from York to Charlotte Street. The committee “invites the entire community to come together in a vibrant celebration of freedom, culture, heritage, and unity,” according to the committee.

The Juneteenth Committee has been working for months to plan the events leading up to Saturday's celebration on High Street. (Submitted Photo) — The Juneteenth Committee has been working for months to plan the events leading up to Saturday’s celebration on High Street. (Submitted Photo)

The celebration kicks off at 12 noon with the opening ceremony, where the Black National anthem “Lift Every Voice and Sing” will be sung by a local young leader, Blessing Oosazuwa.

This day offers a full day of music, culture, food, and fun for the whole family. Children can enjoy an engaging Kids Zone complete with a petting zoo and special guest appearances by Elmo and his friend Pikachu, while adults unwind in the Zen Wine Garden, an oasis of calm and connection.

More than 40 vendors will offer everything from food to handmade goods on Saturday. (Submitted Photo)

This year’s garden experience will include the serene “Bloom Garden and Zen Picnic” by Jae_laree Flowers by Faison, Zenful Picnics and a special Sip and Chat at 2 p.m. featuring Dr. Bernadine Ahonkhai, who will host an intimate conversation about her newly published book, Untold History: Africans in the American Diaspora, Origin, Past and Present Contributions. This work offers a comprehensive historical narrative spanning four major eras of African and African American history, illuminating the contributions and legacy of Africans throughout the diaspora.

The STRIVE Initiative DJs will help provide some of the music during the Juneteenth Celebration on Saturday. (Submitted Photo)

The grown and sophisticated will enjoy the vibes in the Cigar & Whiskey Lounge featuring our local lounge, Stixx Cigar Lounge.

Live performances from some of the region’s favorite artists, including Reggae Band Cayo Sol, Christian Rap group Iron Cast Bars, and returning to the stage is DJ Thomas Walker, The STRIVE Initiative DJs and Reef Kacey will set the stage with energetic and soulful sounds throughout the day.

Over 25 youth athletes showcased their skills June 7 at the Ricketts Center hoping to be named to the Juneteenth All-Star Team. (Submitted Photo)

For sports lovers, the basketball courts will be full of action, with a 3-on-3 tournament, a Hot Shot Challenge, and a Juneteenth All-Star Game that will feature local talent selected from tryouts held on Saturday, June 7, at the Ricketts Community Center. Over 25 youth athletes showcased their skills, energy, and passion for the game in hopes of being named to the Juneteenth All-Star Team. The tryouts were a celebration of athleticism and community pride, setting the stage for an exciting showdown this Saturday. This dynamic event is sponsored by IBall United and JYA Athletics, Get Twisted Hair Salon, three minority led enterprises making an impact on the community youth as well as Montgomery County Community College.

Attendees are also encouraged to support local small businesses, with more than 40 vendors offering everything from delicious food and handmade goods to unique services and resources.

As a proud lead-up to Saturday’s festivities, the Crowned in Excellence Youth Pageant was held on Saturday, June 7, and ended with the crowning of our Legacy Leader and her Court, recognizing the talent, poise, and excellence of Pottstown’s next generation of leaders. This event was spearheaded by Lee Hill, CEO of Changemakers, Ariel Baker, director of the YWCA WE360 program, and Sasha Fiece of Get Twisted.

Members of the 2025 Royal court are:

Addison Streat, left, was named Miss Legacy Juneteenth during the Excellence Youth Pageant held June 7th (Submitted Photo)

• Mr. Legacy Juneteenth — Ashton Harris

• Miss Legacy Juneteenth — Addison Streat

• Miss Juneteenth Blossom — Surah Sanders

• Mr. Juneteenth Sprout — Kannan Lawrence

• Miss Freedom Flame — Christazja White

• Miss Freedom Flame — Qahira Jones

• Juneteenth Community Leader — Leif Thorne

“Juneteenth is our opportunity to reflect, celebrate, and build,” said Denise Williams, Executive Director of Be ReZilient. “This year’s family reunion theme reminds us that we are stronger together and there is joy in our collective story. This year is a true celebration of community, for this event to even take place, it is a labor of love by the community, through sponsorships, volunteering, this event would not have been possible without their contributions.”

If you missed the first two weekends of celebration, there are still more opportunities to join in. The Juneteenth festivities will continue with the Masquerade Ball on June 19 at the RIVET Caneen/ Assembly, tickets are still available at www.juneteenth.com, and the Community Worship Service. The Worship Service being held at Smith Family Plaza will feature guest speaker Rev. Dr. Alyn Waller of Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church in Philadelphia, delivering an inspiring message of hope, justice, and unity and praise and worship by local ministries. A free community dinner, catered by 259 Eatz, will be offered to all who attend, bringing neighbors together once again to break bread and honor the spirit of Juneteenth.

All are welcome to all events. “Juneteenth in Pottstown is the place to be as we honor the past, uplift the present, and invest in the future of our community,” Williams said.