Big turnout for Juneteenth celebration in Eau Claire offers hope for unity

EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (WEAU) – Beryle Middleton, the president of Uniting Bridges of Eau Claire, says Juneteenth has been celebrated in Eau Claire for more than two decades.

“This turnout is fantastic,” said Middleton.

He said each year it is just as important to get the community together.

“For these people to come out today, this says something about the City of Eau Claire. It says something about how we want to have our community. As opposed to how others may perceive our community. This is really how it is,” said Middleton.

Middleton said that is because in order for unity in the community to become a reality, it is important to learn about the racism this country saw and continues to see and talk about it honestly.

William Montgomery of Chippewa Falls agrees.

“To share that, and for them to get an understanding, maybe one day that might bring us together,” said Montgomery.

He is part of the small percentage of Black Wisconsinites in the Chippewa Valley.

“We are a rich culture. We are proud people. We are loving people. We are just like any other humans,” said Montgomery.

So is Paige Sechrest, who just moved with her partner to Eau Claire from Chicago.

“It’s really lovely that this is a priority to this community. It’s pretty cool,” said Sechrest.

She said this holiday means truly being free is going to take all of us doing our part.

“Freedom is not something to take for granted. Freedom is an invitation, and I think we have to try to be free together. Freedom is a community act, a community aspiration,” said Sechrest.

“More and more people are comfortable with staying in this community because things are changing. They see things that are improving, and they want to be a part of that,” said Middleton. “What we have to do actually is to come together to eradicate things as a group, not as a race. It involves all of us. And most times, people here, we’re on the same page.”

Middleton co-chairs the city’s BIPOC Steering Committee. He said when he ran as a council member many years ago, the city’s Black population had been at half percent. That part of the population has grown to nearly 1.5%