On Saturday, New Yorkers flocked to Prospect Park to commemorate Juneteenth, the day slavery was abolished in the United States. This celebration of African American heritage included not just performances of music and dance but also talks and workshops.
According to Mayor Eric Adams, “Juneteenth is a day to celebrate freedom and liberation.” It’s an opportunity to take stock of how far we’ve come and how far we still have to go before all Americans can enjoy genuine equality.
The New York City Juneteenth Committee, a collection of community leaders, put on the celebration to raise awareness of Juneteenth in the Big Apple. The planning group for the event has high expectations that it will play a role in informing New Yorkers about the importance of Juneteenth to the African-American community.
For Michael Blake, a co-chair on the organizing committee, Juneteenth is a day for all New Yorkers to join together and honor the city’s multiethnic past. As Martin Luther King Jr. said, “It is a day to remember the sacrifices that have been made to achieve freedom and equality and to recommit ourselves to the work of building a more just and equitable society.”
People of all ages were in attendance, making the festival a colorful and joyous celebration. A history display, a storytelling workshop, and a voter registration drive were all part of the event.
The Juneteenth celebration serves as a timely reminder of the significance of honoring African American heritage and history. It’s a sobering reminder of how far we still have to go before all Americans can claim equality under the law.
Here are some additional details about the festival:
- The festival took place on Saturday, June 18, from 11 am to 7 pm.
- It was held in Prospect Park, near Grand Army Plaza.
- Admission was free.
- The festival featured a variety of activities, including music, food, dancing, speeches, workshops, and an educational exhibit.
- The festival was organized by the New York City Juneteenth Committee.
- The committee hopes that the festival will help to educate New Yorkers about the history of Juneteenth and its significance to the African American community.
Source: https://abc7ny.com/nyc-juneteenth-festival-prospect-park/13399395/