NEW ORLEANS—At Treme's Congo Square African beats and mouthwatering scents engulf the neighborhood as Juneteenth celebrations collide with Father’s Day.
The holiday commemorates the day African-Americans living in the Southern states learned of their freedom, two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was actually signed.
Bridget Johnson with the New Orleans Juneteenth Committee says, “We're out here celebrating freedom, even in the rain, because New Orleans is known for its festivals and we celebrate rain or shine.”
It's a festival most here would like to see gain popularity.
Linda Green says, “We need to keep on celebrating this here to bring awareness of different cultures to the city. You know, we need this to let our kids know what's going on, to enrich them and talk to them and show them what our culture is about.”
At Annunciation Park Uptown Juneteenth festivities are focusing on celebrating freedom through fitness.
Sheila Matute, coordinator with the National Juneteeth Celebration says, “We live in a society where you can choose to live your lifestyle, but our focus is when you do that choosing that you choose wisely. That you think about being healthy. Our nation is only as strong as its people are healthy.”
Whether through fitness or drum beats Juneteenth reminds us of the progress that's been made, and the value of one’s freedom.
Posted By: Siebra Muhammad
Tuesday, June 19th 2012 at 12:57PM
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