The fourth annual Wayne community celebration of Juneteenth will take place at Bressler Park, West 9th and Lincoln Streets, on Monday, June 19, from 4:30 p.m. to sunset.
That Ain’t Right (TAR), a local non-profit group supporting diversity and inclusion in Rural America, invites the public to join in the free evening of festivities.
Juneteenth, commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans, has been observed annually in various parts of the United States since June 19, 1865.
It is the most recently recognized federal holiday, declared so in 2021. The City of Wayne revised the holiday leave of personnel to include the Juneteenth holiday, effective Jan. 1, 2022.
The observance in Wayne is hosted by community members who are passionate about celebrating freedom for all and learning more about the meaning of the holiday and the culture of our African American neighbors.
Endia Casey Agoumba, graduate of the Leadership Wayne class of 2023 and Chair of TAR, asserted, “I am elated to be able to celebrate Juneteenth in Wayne, Nebraska. The holiday, marking a step in American progress toward fulfilling its promise of equality, equity, and freedom for all, is near and dear to my heart.”
“Celebrating the Progress, Building on the Promise” is the theme of Juneteenth 2023 in Wayne.
The event will include live music. Graduates of Wayne High School and Wayne State College who attend the celebration will be honored. Dr. Joseph Weixelman, WSC Professor of History, will present a brief commemorative program featuring narratives of ex-slaves, responding to the news that they had become freedmen; a fact to be declared by adoption of Amendment XIII of the United States Constitution on December 6, 1865.
Food Trucks have been invited to be present at the event. While at least one food vender will be available, attendees are welcome to bring along a picnic supper.
Entertainment will include games and prizes. Complimentary ice cream treats will officially mark the event as an ice cream social. The celebration is family friendly; people of all ages are invited to join in the fun!
Bonnie Andersen has attended the annual celebration since it began in 2020. Bonnie recently commented, “Thanks to this annual Juneteenth Celebration, Wayne has become more connected to the larger world. Like many other residents, I knew little of its historical significance in our nation’s quest for freedom and equality for all its peoples. I am thankful for being educated in this way and look forward to the feeling of a diverse and joyful community it generates each year.”
The event is funded in part by a grant from the Wayne County Convention and Visitors Bureau.
For more information about Juneteenth, contact Endia Casey Agoumba at endiac@hotmail.com or Carolyn Albracht at c.albracht@gmail.com.
