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Synergy Performing Arts Academy in Canonsburg performed at the NAACP Washington and LeMoyne Community Center’s Juneteenth celebration at LeMoyne Community Center in Washington on Saturday.

Karen Mansfield/Observer-Reporter

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Washington Mayor JoJo Burgess served as co-grand marshal of the NAACP Washington’s and LeMoyne Community Center’s Juneteenth Parade on Saturday.

Karen Mansfield/Observer-Reporter

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Washington Jazz Ensemble was among the performers at the NAACP Washington/LeMoyne Community Center Juneteenth celebration at LeMoyne Community Center on Saturday.

Karen Mansfield/Observer-Reporter

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The Juneteenth celebration at LeMoyne Community Center in Washington drew crowds who were treated to several activities and events, including musical performances, games, face painting, a three-point contest, food, and giveaways.

Karen Mansfield/Observer-Reporter

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The Juneteenth celebration, co-hosted by LeMoyne Community Center and NAACP Washington branch, included several vendors. Here, artist Gwen Healy displays her artwork.

Karen Mansfield/Observer-Reporter

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DJ Stuart “Bump” Johnson of Uniontown performed at the Juneteenth celebration. The Washington native also provided his food truck, Gyros, Hoagies & Pierogies.

Courtesy of NAACP Washington

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Wash High teacher Treg Campbell reads a Juneteenth book to children during Saturday’s celebration at LeMoyne Community Center.

Courtesy of NAACP Washington


Members of the Washington community gathered Saturday to celebrate Juneteenth at LeMoyne Community Center in Washington.

The celebration, co-hosted by the NAACP Washington branch and LeMoyne Community Center, featured performances, speakers, vendors, activities, and a variety of foods.

The day kicked off with a Juneteenth Parade, led by grand marshals JoJo Burgess and Demond Nixon, mayors of Washington and East Washington.

Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, commemorates June 19, 1865 – more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation – when Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, to enforce the proclamation that put an end to slavery.

“It was an overwhelming success. I can’t be happier or more proud of our residents coming together and having a wonderful event,” said Burgess. “There was a lot of hard work put into by (Juneteenth chairman) Steve Woods, who did whatever was necessary for the community to have a tremendous event.”

The Juneteenth celebration also included a three-point contest, African drums and history, Zumba and line dancing, and performances by Peters Township Dance Team, One Up Band, Ministry in Motion, and a magic show.