KEYSVILLE, Ga. (WJBF) – Juneteenth celebrations continue in the CSRA, leading up to the holiday next Wednesday.
But this year is the first time in Burke County where Juneteenth celebrations are being held county-wide.
It’s a partnership between the Boggs Rural Life Center and Burke County Unites, holding celebrations over four days.
Friday the life center hosted a Family Fun Day for the community, organized by Lisa Stone and Alton West.
“We along with our steering committee that brought it together from last year,” said Stone. “It started several years ago just on Boggs campus, but this year we decided to turn it into a four-day celebration.”
Food vendors were around the grounds, tables and truckloads full of food – that along with a gaming truck, a bouncy house, and games.
Community members who attended say the real sweet treat is celebrating the holiday.
“Juneteenth is a marvelous celebration of freedom for the African-American people, and also to for unity,” said Florence Brown. “It’s just a day to really feel proud, free, relaxed, and enjoy yourself.”
“It means freedom, and just getting together and having a good time,” said Michael Abrams.
“It’s everything, having a good time, having fun, good vibes,” said Mykel Abrams.
“Juneteenth is the true Independence Day for all of America. That’s when all of America was free,” said David Faison. “People were free, but didn’t know. So, this is the day that everyone knows now.”
“The celebration is the celebration of freedom. But even though we are celebrating it because it focuses on Blacks – or Black culture – we do celebrate all cultures. From our pageant to anything we’ve done in this festival, it has always been expanded or extended out to other cultures,” said Stone.
“It’s very important, because first of all we all need to realize that we’re all in this together,” West said. “If there’s something that drops here, it’s not going to separate the Republicans from the Democrats, Blacks or Whites, the rich or the poor, the gay or the straight–all of us are in this together.”
Celebrations continue on Saturday, June 15th with a Juneteenth Parade at 1 PM from Waynesboro.
It will be at the Burke County Exchange Club Fairground free of charge, but donations are accepted.
