“Juneteenth is the celebration of freedom from slavery,” Erie entrepreneur, educator and Erie Juneteenth Block Party Coordinator Angela McNair said, as all around her in Perry Square, families gathered to listen to bands and try some of the food trucks and tents throughout the park.
Juneteenth was first marked in 1866, federally recognized in 2021 and is observed each June 19.
Heather Christie Morris was grilling chicken with a Jamaican flair at her food pop-up, The Likkle Jerk Kitchen, in east Perry Square. After living in Toronto, Canada, she wanted to introduce Jamaican jerk flavors to Erie diners.
Juneteenth in Erie:Celebrations include annual Block Party, Cookout Cruise and art
“I think Erie is great, but I noticed there weren’t many places to find that flavor,” Christie Morris said. “We’ll try this out today and if people like it we’ll see how it turns out.”
Kyra Taylor, co-founder and executive director of Erie’s Black Wall Street, a nonprofit that supports Black community members and business owners, helped coordinate the vendors. Since many vendors do not have storefronts, participating in the event helps business owners gain visibility and customers.