YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) – Youngstown celebrated Saturday June 10th, the day the last post-Civil War slaves in America were freed.
It was two years after the war ended before slaves in Galveston, Texas found out that they were being freed.
“Why is Juneteenth so important? Come on, it took us a day, “said entertainer DJ Swin. “June is important because it is time in our country to commemorate history and what African Americans are doing in the country today.”
The celebration on Saturday brought together entrepreneurs, activists, artists, friends and family.
“I feel like this is a great opportunity for black small businesses to unite and do something positive. To represent our culture, ”said Jovan Robinson, owner of local businesses.
A mother at the event was from Pennsylvania and said she brought her children, who are biracial, to Youngstown’s Juneteenth event to learn about their heritage.
“I wanted my girls to understand the importance of why they are free now. Because I am deaf and hard of hearing, I want to make sure they understand the deaf, black history and how we all mingle here, ”said participant and mother Renee Allen.
Many people braved the rain and brought umbrellas to stay dry. The general atmosphere was like a big party.
Some people at the event said they were glad Juniteenth is a federal holiday, but that there are still barriers for people of color.
“It’s bittersweet, a double-edged thing because the recognition and the recognition are good, but it’s one of those things like, ‘Here’s a treat to smooth it all over, but we’re not going to talk about the real issues. ‘”Said the artist James Major Burns.
“We don’t want it to be one of those holidays … where you get the Bath and Body Works Juneteenth candles and a special drink of the day,” said Major Burns.
