by Shawn Nowlin
Consider this: just sixty five years ago African Americans were not allowed to vote, were subjected to the worst kinds of racism and endured unimaginable conditions as slaves all across the country from the 1600s to around 1865.
It is an undeniable fact that as individuals among the most persecuted in the history of this nation, African Americans have experienced inconceivable odds, adversity and obstacles untold.
Juneteenth, typically celebrated in the US on June 19, commemorates the announcement of the abolition of slavery in the US. Furthermore it signaled the emancipation of enslaved African Americans throughout the confederate south.
The Roanoke Chapter Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) has recognized the event continuously for the last 8 years. This year’s event held Saturday, June 13 was informative, entertaining and beneficial to the community with something for everyone to enjoy.
“The three objectives of the event are to commemorate the holiday, create an environment where people needing assistance can get informed and to show young people it is possible to be positive and also successful,” said event organizer Jeff Artis.
Thanks to sponsors like WalMart and Frito Lay, attendees enjoy free food that is typical of an average cook-out as: hamburgers, chicken, chips, hot dogs, watermelon and soft drinks. Additionally a flood of information on local politicians, city services, new businesses and health as well as social issues is also available. Dozens of volunteers not only serve food but assist with all that goes into this ongoing community venture.
Each year the well-attended event is held in Washington Park, located just minutes from downtown Roanoke. It’s a great location for hosting such events because of its overall size, free price of admission and the fact that its no more than a 15-minute drive from anywhere in the city.
When asked why he attended this year’s event, Roanoke native Chase Ingram said, “In the last year alone tragedies (re: civil unrest) in Ferguson, MO; Baltimore, MD and Charleston, SC have dominated the national headlines…I brought my four young children here today so they can interact with local police officers because I don’t want them to grow up fearing all cops just because a few officers were never worthy of wearing the badge.”
State Senatorial candidate Mike Hamlar was just one of the familiar faces in the crowd. “This event just keeps getting better and better,” he said before posing for a picture with local chapter past president, Perneller Chubb Wilson and chapter president Bishop E.M. Mitchell.
On-stage entertainment was reportedly light at this year’s function however that didn’t stop The Moyer Brothers, a local gospel group, from doing their thing in support of the cause.
Although the celebration is particularly significant to African Americans, the event is open to everyone regardless to background or ethnicity. An overview of this year’s crowd reflected such diversity. The very combination of community involvement, historical significance and overall fun makes Roanoke’s Juneteenth celebration a one of a kind experience for many in this area.
