SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) – On Saturday, the Juneteenth Jubilee Planning Committee hosted a family fun day at Blunt Park to celebrate the holiday.
The event was just one of many this weekend put on by the committee aiming to celebrate the rich history, culture, and achievements of the Black community while fostering unity and education among all residents.
Springfield City Councilor Trayce Whitfield told us why she thinks it is so important to highlight Juneteenth year after year.
“Well, Juneteenth is the real emancipation for Black people because we know the Fourth of July, Black people were still not free. And so, in Galveston, Texas, June 19th, 1865, that’s when the last people, from the furthest part of the country, found out they were free,” she said.
There was food, games, music, and more, all free of charge in hopes of bringing the community together. Jason Asifiri, the district director and president of the Organization of New England chapters of Alpha told us it was amazing to be able to give back and share food on behalf of an organization that was predominantly white when founded.
“You look around you, this is community. This is what my founders were looking for,” he stated.
Councilor Whitfield also drove home the desire to have the city come together, saying that it doesn’t matter who you are, everyone is welcome so together, we can be one Springfield.
For more information on the Jubilee Planning Committee, click HERE: https://www.westernmassnews.com/2025/06/13/juneteenth-flag-raising-held-springfield/
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Check out was real simple, can't wait for the tote bag