The Elmont Cultural Center and the Elmont Alumni Network joined forces once again to celebrate freedom, culture and community during their 6th Annual Juneteenth Festival, drawing residents together for an afternoon of fashion, music, poetry and reflection on the significance of the holiday.
The event, held Saturday at The Village shopping center in Elmont, 14 Village Ave., commemorated the federal holiday marking the end of slavery in the United States on June 19, 1865. Through performances, speakers and cultural presentations, attendees honored the resilience of those who endured slavery while celebrating the achievements and contributions of Black Americans.
One of the afternoon's highlights was a fashion show featuring designs by Haitian designer Santia McCoy of S&M Custom Design. Hosted by Carl Lamarre, executive editor of R&B and Hip-Hop at Billboard, the showcase blended culture, history and creativity as models took to the runway in colorful designs inspired by the spirit of Juneteenth.
Lamarre emphasized the importance of artistic expression in preserving culture and sharing stories across generations.
"One of the most powerful ways culture is preserved and celebrated is through art, and fashion is one of its most visible forms," he said.
He explained that fashion serves as another way communities tell their stories and celebrate their identities. Introducing McCoy's collection, Lamarre highlighted her reputation for creating designs that empower people to embrace confidence, beauty and pride in their heritage.
According to Lamarre, the Juneteenth collection honored freedom, identity and self-expression through its use of color, texture and design. As models walked the runway, audience members applauded the pieces, which reflected themes of strength, creativity and cultural pride.
Beyond the fashion showcase, the festival featured performances by local artists and speakers who reflected on the meaning of Juneteenth and its continued relevance today.
Among them was poet and singer Na'llah Power, who delivered a moving recitation of her poem, "Let Us Go Home." The performance commemorated Juneteenth while honoring the resilience and perseverance of generations who fought for freedom.
Power later performed an original song titled "Batman," which she described as an anthem of empowerment and self-worth.
"We all have had our experiences with people trying to take our power, take our energy, and this is a song you can sing to reclaim that for yourselves," she said.
The festival also gave young community members an opportunity to share their perspectives. Selene Ferdinand, a 13-year-old community advocate and founder of her foundation Meera Empowerment, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering other young individuals to give back to their community, spoke to the Herald about what Juneteenth means to her and other young people.
"Juneteenth to me means freedom, resilience, and the power of never giving up," she said.
She spoke about the sacrifices made by those who endured unimaginable hardships and how their perseverance created opportunities for future generations. The holiday serves as a reminder of both progress and responsibility, Selene added.
She also reflected on the importance of honoring the past while helping build a future rooted in equality, justice and respect, encouraging young people to recognize the impact they can have in their communities regardless of their age.
According to Selene, the legacy of those who came before her inspires her to pursue her goals, stand up for what is right and help others whenever possible.
Throughout the afternoon, attendees explored vendor displays, connected with neighbors and celebrated the rich cultural traditions that continue to shape the community.
