STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Juneteenth is fast approaching so mark your calendars for Saturday, June 17 from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Sunday, June 18, 11:00 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The much-anticipated Staten Island events celebrates Freedom Day, a holiday celebrated on June 19 to commemorate the emancipation of enslaved people in the U.S. The holiday was first celebrated in Texas, where on that date in 1865, in the aftermath of the Civil War, enslaved people were declared free under the terms of the 1862 Emancipation Proclamation.
“This ‘edu-taining’ event is being presented by Roc-A-Natural Cultural Foundation Inc in collaboration with Friends Who Think Pink Breast Cancer Awareness Organization, Jason Price and Shaolin Ryders,” said Dorcas Meyers, President of Roc-A-Natural Cultural Foundation Inc. “There will be live performances, health and wellness, financial youth literacy and chess workshops.
“There will also be a historic re-enactment, community resources, playmobile by NYC Parks, a tribute fashion show, shopping with unique vendors, delicious food, and more. We will have a candle lighting ceremony, raising of the Juneteenth flag, drumming and African dance, and music by General Tactics.”
Scene from the rehearsals of Staten Island Freedom Players Juneteenth Re-enactment, held at NYC Arts Cypher, 12 Bay Street. (Courtesy Staten Island Media)
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS FOR THE 2ND ANNUAL JUNETEENTH FREEDOM PARADE
On June 17, participants can look forward to lining up at 11 a.m. on School Road and Bay Street, located near Von Briesen Park in Fort Wadsworth. The parade will conclude at 1 p.m. at Tappen Park located in Stapleton on Bay Street, near Water and Canal Streets.
“This year’s Juneteenth Freedom Parade is significant because we will be marching on Bay Street and through the Rosebank Corridor, the location where people of color were at risk of being beaten if they tried to step foot in Rosebank in the 1960′s through the 80′s,” explained Meyers. “On…
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