Juneteenth celebrations aim to provide community, education, empowerment

Artist and Dayton native Tobi Ewing arrange store on the occasion, providing varied items of artwork on the market.

“Something I’m very passionate about is the home space and creating other spaces that feel like home and that are sacred in that way — and I think we all saw the importance of that during the pandemic — to make your space yours, whether that’s your home, an office, a restaurant, or a shop,” Ewing stated.

Ewing stated occasions like Juneteenth function a reminder to carry up and honor individuals of shade.

“I think it’s always important to celebrate Black people,” she stated. “We’re part of what built this country, so it’s always a disturbance when we’re not recognized for that. I’m always going to be down to support Black people and people of color and people who are down for sharing their art, sharing their beauty with the world, and collaborating together.”

Lamont Figgers, of Chicago, is visiting Dayton this weekend for a biennial household reunion and stopped by the occasion.

“This is my first Juneteenth event I’ve ever attended,” Figgers stated. “(These events) let us know where we come from and to understand what our ancestors went through.”

Saturday’s celebrations come simply over a yr after Congress formally designated June 19 as Juneteenth, although it’s been celebrated in a wide range of communities all through the nation since 1865.

“It lets us know that we’re important and that we should have a day to be recognized,” stated attendee Victor Gutierrez. “We have Fourth of July, Memorial Day, and others, but this day is important for us and I’m glad we’re able to celebrate it now.”

Juneteenth celebrations will proceed throughout the area by means of Monday.

“I believe (events like this) are important to empower our community, especially the Black and brown community, and also to educate those who are not necessarily aware of what Juneteenth is and why we celebrate it because it is American history,” Graham stated. “I think having these events continues to give reminders of where we’ve been and where we’re going and the progress we need to make to continue to emancipate those under different systems of oppression.”