Lorain’s fifth annual Juneteenth celebration brought in many community members to Gen. Johnnie Wilson Park on June 16 as families joined in good food, games, fun and more.
Five years ago, Kimyata Hawthorne, Shatela Evans and Dominic Price decided to host the first Juneteenth event at the park, located at 1217 Plant St. in Lorain.
The organizers wanted to “give back to the community” by hosting an event where people of the community could join together outdoors as the global pandemic set in, said Hawthorne, noting that many community members were feeling the pain of “cabin fever” at that time.
“We’re proud, excited and blessed that it’s still going and growing,” Hawthorne said. “We love it.”
The event was free to anyone who wanted to join in the festivities, which began with the singing of the Black national anthem.
Loretta Jones, a long-time educator and retired principal, was the honorary elder celebrated at the event.
“We honor the elderly while they’re still here with us,” Hawthorne said.
A guest speaker educated the community members about the danger of social media influence as well as other social issues.
The event was made possible based on community donations dropped off at Hawthorne’s beauty shop, called Hair, Love and Beauty, on Broadway Avenue, as it has been each year, she added.
Local dance groups, including the African Royalty Dancers and the Dazzling Diamonds, were also on hand to perform to lively music that was played during the event.
Basketball games and obstacle courses were available for the youth to play and win trophies along with gift cards, Hawthorne said.
“I have fun,” said Hawthorne’s nephew Zion Taylor, who was also on hand helping his aunt and mother, Shatela Evans.
Taylor invited his friends from the community including his peers from Clearview High School, he said.
Cornhole games were new at this year’s event, offered for adults to try their hand at competition.
“We’ll see what the adults do,” Hawthorne joked.
The organizers brought in several vendors that served not only food and merchandise, but also social service information from local community service groups, such as the City of Lorain’s Public Library System.
“The goal is to grow,” said Hawthorne of the future of the event.
The organizers are willing to transfer the event to a larger park or area to accommodate the hundreds of people who join them each year.
Check out was real simple, can't wait for the tote bag