Welcome to Juneteenth Celebration
Juneteenth commemorates emancipation -- the end of slavery in the United States.
From its Galveston, Texas origin in 1865, the observance of June 19th as the African American Emancipation Day has spread across the United States.
Juneteenth emphasizes African American education and achievement. It is observed with celebrations, guest speakers, picnics and family gatherings. It is a time for reflection and rejoicing. According to Juneteenth.com, it is a "time for assessment, self-improvement and for planning the future. Its growing popularity signifies a level of maturity and dignity in America long overdue. In cities across the country, people of all races, nationalities and religions are joining hands to truthfully acknowledge a period in our history that shaped and continues to influence our society today. Sensitized to the conditions and experiences of others, only then can we make significant and lasting improvements in our society."
10th Annual Juneteenth Celebration
view photos from the event on Richard Karp's web site >>>
The rescheduled 10th annual Juneteenth Celebration event took place on August 30, 2009 in Brandon Park, Williamsport.
Musical acts Groove Train, Heaven Sent along with dance troupes, Valorie Taylor’s Expressions and the LKW Dance Center performed in the Dr. Kenneth L. Cooper bandshell a day before refurbishing and repainting work began.
Conni Robinson, organizer and executive producer for the event, said, “With about five other local events in the community along with the Little League World Series game, the attendance was moderate, but everyone seemed to have a great time. We even provided a shuttle, for the first time, to bring folks to the park. Everything went very smoothly.”
Dale Hanley aka Cutie Patutie said, “The 2009 Juneteenth Celebration was one of the best celebrations we, the C.C. Clowns have participated in. The entertainment was super – something for every age. Everyone attending seemed to be enjoying every aspect of the Celebration.”
A Certificate of Appreciation was presented by Susan Mathias from Congressman Chris Carney’s office and a Pa. Commonwealth Citation was read and presented by State Representative Richard Mirabito, who also graciously read the Emancipation Proclamation in Rev. Kenneth Burnett’s absence.
Also, Richard James presented an edited version of his “History of the Bethune Douglas Community Center,” the Thomas T. Taber Museum loaned its Underground Railroad Exhibit and the Lycoming County Genealogical Society informed visitors about researching their family’s history.
Johnny J. Blair, aka Singer at Large, who also performed, said, “I’m proud to be involved in Juneteenth. It brings people together, and it brings out some overlooked but important history. I hope more people can tune into all the presentations at future Juneteenths.”
Recording artist Kevin D. Watson and WRLC 91.7 FM radio personality Marcelene Brown were the emcees. They, along with Dawn Filchner-White, sang in the event.
The innaugural Gifted Art Exhibit was also displayed – the result of 5 art workshops, in which the students received free art supplies and instruction. Beth Caviston, a proud parent said, “My daughter, Abigail, greatly enjoyed participating in the art classes. She really enjoyed the interaction with the other children and said, “I really had a lot of fun”. The teachers (Eve Archer, Jackie Thomas and Ed Steinhilper) were excellent artists and we are so grateful to them to volunteer their time and talents with so many kids. I think it really helped establish a sense of pride for herself and for her community to be part of the celebration and to have her art on public display.” The next series of art workshops will begin in February 2010, and registration forms are now available and will be mailed upon request until January 3rd.
Next year’s event will take place again at Brandon Park on June 19, 2010 -- the original Juneteenth date. Plans are being made to unveil an historic plaque dedicated to the first black, female novelist in the country, Williamsport’s Julia Collins. Mary Sieminski, and Jane Luther who is related to Julia Collins, spoke briefly to the audience about next year’s unveiling. The Juneteenth Celebration Association plans to bring author and history professor Mitch Kachun, who co-edited Collins’ book, to the event to speak about the novelist. The Thomas T. Taber Museum is providing sponsorship for the plaque from the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.
Dr. Lori Verderame’s “Hate Art and Antiques?” comedy show and Lawrence Walker’s portrayal of “Caesar”, a Revolutionary War soldier, ex-slave, took place on June 20th and the Thomas T. Taber Museum. The rest of the event was rescheduled until August 30th due to rain.
Photos of the August event are courtesy of Richard Karp, www.rikkisan.com; click Galleries and Events. Volunteer organization’s included AmeriCorp, Williamsport’s Crime Commission and Bethel AME Church. See “2009 Event Program” on this website for a list of sponsors.
Do you know a young person who may be interested in participating in the 2010 Gifted Juneteenth Celebration Art Exhibit workshops? This program will include educational presentations and field trips, free of charge. Please feel free to click on the flyer below and print it, and share it with others in the community.
Juneteenth Celebration Association of Northcentral Pa is a 170 (b )(1)(A )(vi) Public Charity under the 501 ( c)(3) IRS Tax Code.