Juneteenth celebrations continue to unify the community

In Scott’s Addition on Sunday, the celebrations continued at Brambly Park winery, where more than 30 Black-owned vendors set up shop for a pop-up market presented by The Love Movement Social Event Series in collaboration with the Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia.

“It’s an honor and a pleasure to bring all the small businesses together,” said Tory Gilbert, The Love Movement’s co-founder. “Giving them recognition to give them some shine, opportunity to grow and meet other folks and build clientele. And also working with Brambly Park and allies like them, that’s going to really bring the community together.”

Andre Dabney, The Love Movement’s event manager, added: “We love the awareness that we bring about Juneteenth because a lot of people don’t even know what Juneteenth was about. We learn something every year about what the meaning of Juneteenth is and how important it is and its history, and so that education is very important.”

The Love Movement Social Event Series was created after the pandemic as a way to bring people together through a series of social events that highlight education, community, music, art and networking.

This is the organization’s third Juneteenth Freedom Day celebration. The event also featured performances by reggae/roots artist Mighty Joshua and R&B/soul band JTucker & The Krewe, plus a special performance by the City Dance Theatre. Brambly Park’s parking lot was filled with food vendors such as Charles’ Kitchen Caribbean Cuisine, K & M Salmon Balls and Cakes and Lucy Lobster.

“This event and this holiday really signals the significance of our community coming together and celebrating the beginnings of freedom for Black people in this country,” said Saajida Chohan, director of education and visitor experience at the Black History Museum & Cultural Center.

“Juneteenth is not only a time to reflect on the past but also to celebrate African American culture, heritage, achievements, communities across the country and mark the occasion with events such as parades, activities, educational activities, family gatherings (and) cultural exhibition; it’s the day of pride, reflection and hope for the future.”

Clothing, art and jewelry vendors lined the perimeter of the winery’s green space.

Sonya Odom and Harold Walker, who own Pure Elegance Body Essentials, sold Juneteenth T-shirts and scented oils. Walker said he has attended many of the Juneteenth celebrations around the city.

“It’s been a long time coming to have a holiday or any day in general that celebrates us but most importantly the end to slavery in 1865,” Walker said. “It sounds like a long time ago, but it really wasn’t. We’re all just a few generations away from it.”

Odom, who lost her son to street violence in December, said the event is an opportunity for community members to support one another.

“It’s good for unity,” Odom said. “For all of us to just get together outside of anything pertaining to violence. Let’s come together and support each other.”