Juneteenth celebrates black heritage and unity

A Juneteenth celebration was held at Morgan Memorial Park on June 15, featuring music, food, vendors, cultural performances.

The event included a performance by the First Baptist Church Choir and a reading of the poem “Juneteenth” by Victoria Crosby, along with activities such as free hair braiding and haircuts.

Organized through the efforts of Leyla Watson, founder and president of I Am My Sister, and Roderick Watson, executive director of I Am My Brother, the celebration highlighted the importance of recognizing the Black community’s culture and contributions.

Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans, marking the day in 1865 when Union general Gordon Granger announced the end of slavery in Galveston, Texas.