OR Juneteenth celebration is Saturday
Keisha Griffin spins cotton candy for a Juneteenth celebration at Oak Ridge’s Scarboro Park in 2023. (photo:Ben Pounds )
Juneteenth Festival will get underway at noon on Hampton Road and continue until 6 p.m. with food, drink, clothing and other apparel vendors.
There will be carnival games, face painting, live gospel music, dramatic dance and spoken word, along with R&B music.
For the young at heart, there will be sports combo and slide bounce houses as well as other activities.
Those who like bingo may try winning prizes.
Special parking accommodations will be provided for those with handicapped-accessible needs.
Juneteenth marks the date − June 19, 1865 − when the last enslaved people in the United States learned they were free.
For generations, Black Americans have recognized the end of one of the darkest chapters in U.S. history with joy, in the form of parades, street festivals, musical performances and cookouts.
Most U.S. states now hold celebrations honoring Juneteenth as a holiday or a day of recognition, like Flag Day.
Juneteenth is a paid holiday for state employees in Texas, New York, Virginia, Washington and Nevada.
Many companies give workers the day off.
“Oak Ridge holds this day of churches, organizations, and the Oak Ridge community coming together as an opportunity for activism and education to unite,” said Tyler Gulley, citywide coordinator.
Gulley thanked the area church community, especially the Scarboro community churches, for their participation.
The Juneteenth Celebration in Oak Ridge began with the Mitchell family, and last year was the first time it was a citywide event co-sponsored by churches.
Those attending are asked to bring lawn chairs and tents for the afternoon event.
“This is an opportunity to remember the sacrifices that were made for freedom in the United States − especially in these racially and politically charged days,” Gulley said.