Juneteenth marks the anniversary of June 19, 1865, when the last slaves in Texas learned that they were free.On Wednesday, communities across Vermont celebrated the holiday.It became a federal holiday three years ago.In South Burlington, the city hosted its Juneteenth festivities at Veterans Memorial Park, which featured live performances and food stands.In Winooski, there were activities for all ages, such as face painting, making bubbles, and mini-golf.”Winooski has a really diverse population,” said Sarah Brunkhorst, Winooski’s Juneteenth event coordinator. “It’s really important to celebrate holidays that reflect that.”There was also a Black makers market, so people could support local Black-owned businesses.One of them was Anisa Jewelry, who has participated in several Juneteenth events across the state over the years.”People are very excited that we do this,” said Sabrina Duncan, co-owner of Anisa Jewelry. “They’re glad to see us a part of this. They’re really glad Juneteenth is part of the community now, and we’re just happy to be a part of it.”Even though it was tough to beat the extreme heat, organizers made sure there were several cooling stations so people could still have a good time while being safe.Community members, like Madui of Winooski, said it wasn’t going to dampen these spirits.He said it’s important that everyone got together to mark this important day.”It’s not about race. It’s not about culture. It’s about coming together as a community and having that space,” Madui said.The Juneteenth celebrations continue this Saturday.Hartford, Vermont and Lebanon, New Hampshire, will have a joint celebration at Lyman Point Park from 2 to 4 p.m.Rutland will host a Juneteenth strut, walking from the Rutland Free Library to the Rutland County Pride Festival. The walk begins at 11 am.
Juneteenth marks the anniversary of June 19, 1865, when the last slaves in Texas learned that they were free.
On Wednesday, communities across Vermont celebrated the holiday.
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It became a federal holiday three years ago.
In South Burlington, the city hosted its Juneteenth festivities at Veterans Memorial Park, which featured live performances and food stands.
In Winooski, there were activities for all ages, such as face painting, making bubbles, and mini-golf.
“Winooski has a really diverse population,” said Sarah Brunkhorst, Winooski’s Juneteenth event coordinator. “It’s really important to celebrate holidays that reflect that.”
There was also a Black makers market, so people could support local Black-owned businesses.
One of them was Anisa Jewelry, who has participated in several Juneteenth events across the state over the years.
“People are very excited that we do this,” said Sabrina Duncan, co-owner of Anisa Jewelry. “They’re glad to see us a part of this. They’re really glad Juneteenth is part of the [Winooski] community now, and we’re just happy to be a part of it.”
Even though it was tough to beat the extreme heat, organizers made sure there were several cooling stations so people could still have a good time while being safe.
Community members, like Madui of Winooski, said it wasn’t going to dampen these spirits.
He said it’s important that everyone got together to mark this important day.
“It’s not about race. It’s not about culture. It’s about coming together as a community and having that space,” Madui said.
The Juneteenth celebrations continue this Saturday.
Hartford, Vermont and Lebanon, New Hampshire, will have a joint celebration at Lyman Point Park from 2 to 4 p.m.
Rutland will host a Juneteenth strut, walking from the Rutland Free Library to the Rutland County Pride Festival.
The walk begins at 11 am.
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