Shivers family celebrates Juneteenth at Inwood Park

Amid a hot and sunny day at Inwood Park, was the Shivers family celebrating their roots and ancestors on Juneteenth.

This is the fourth annual Juneteenth celebration the Shivers family has hosted. They were barbecuing up a storm of burgers, wings, hot dogs and kept cool with plenty of water.

Juneteenth is a federal holiday that commemorates the ending of slavery in the United States. It was recognized as a federal holiday in 2021, it serves as a time of rejoicing as this pivotal day in America’s history was marked.

On the fence by the basketball court, was a Juneteenth sign held high. This sign holds a special place in Ilyassha Shiver’s heart and has been apart of their celebration since the beginning.

“The last time myself, my father and son went to Ghana in 2017, we brought back a bunch of African material, some of it was used for clothing or as gifts but there was scraps left,” Shivers said. “So we took all the scrap pieces, and the kids cut out the letters and glued it together to spell out Juneteenth.”

As Juneteenth celebrations hit a zenith, the younger generations are learning the significance of the holiday. It’s an opportunity to spend time with family and those that you love, to celebrate an important milestone in history.

“One of the other things about Juneteenth is generational, being with my father, my son and grandbaby,” Shivers said. “It’s a constant connecting the dots and passing it on, letting them understand everything has a purpose and a meaning.”

For Elijah Shivers, 14, it’s more than just a day off from school. He fully understands the true meaning of Juneteenth and why spending time with family is important.

“It feels as if I’m honoring my ancestors, but also it’s allowing me to explore history that I’m not being taught at home or at school,” Elijah said. “It’s just really good to be apart of this and honor my ancestors.”

Throughout the celebration they were singing, dancing, preparing food, playing basketball and praying. They were sharing their thanks and appreciation for being able to celebrate Juneteenth.

Not only is Juneteenth about the ending of slavery, but remembering the sacrifices they made and to pass on the good to every generation.

“It’s a big celebration, we eat, drink, laugh and everyone is welcome,” said Bishop Warren C. Shivers of Wings of Faith Ministries. “We thank God that we are born in this country, America is a great country, so we have to fight to keep the faith and do what’s necessary. The journey is not over yet.”