Father’s Day and Juneteenth celebration held in Gainesville

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (WCJB) – One couple hosted a cookout to celebrate Father’s Day and Juneteenth while highlighting Black unity.

“We want to tell the story about what’s going on in the Black community, who we are, and how we function,” said event organizer Malcom Askew.

Malcom and Ashlei Askew say they have a passion for connecting the community together and highlighting positive Black culture.

“Obviously it’s great that we made a lot of progress in this country and that we continue to you know we learn from the past. That’s the only way that we have a better future,” shared Malcom Askew.

The Askew’s are working on starting a non-profit.

“Honestly we want to continue to challenge the stereotype that Black fathers are not involved because I think our generation is definitely challenging that stereotype, breaking those generational traumas and they’re definitely more involved,” said Ashlei Askew.

Big lawn games such as chess, bumper cars, mini bowling and more were all set up at the celebration for the kids to enjoy. Some Black-owned non-profits set up tables such as the Greater Gainesville Black Nurses Association.

“Fatherhood in the Black community is really important. At times it can feel fragmented from different historical things that have happened so to create unity and make sure our home is taken care of first is very beautiful,” shared resident Jessica Turner-Evans.

Event organizers say seeing the turnout warmed their hearts. Even though the celebration was held Sunday, June 16, Juneteenth is on Wednesday, June 19 which celebrates the freedom of slaves.

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