YOUNGSTOWN Baptist church hosts Juneteenth Celebration

The observance had to be moved to July because of scheduling conflicts.
By JOHN W. GOODWIN JR.
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
YOUNGSTOWN -- The streets have been blocked off, the rides have been put up, the food stands are in place and educational materials abound in observation of the second annual Juneteenth Celebration at Holy Trinity Missionary Baptist Church, 505 Parkcliff Ave.
For more than 100 years, black Americans have recognized Juneteenth -- a celebration of freedom.
It was June 19, 1865, when the Union soldiers, led by Major Gen. Gordon Granger, landed at Galveston, Texas, with news that the war had ended and that the enslaved were now free. Note that this was 21/2 years after President Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation, which had become official Jan. 1, 1863.
As the news spread, blacks celebrated with food, music, dance and games.
Official holiday
The United States adopted legislation in 1997 officially designating June 19 as Juneteenth Independence Day.
Juneteenth celebrations are usually held in June, but the Rev. Lewis Macklin II, pastor of Holy Trinity, said this year's observance at the church had to be postponed because of scheduling conflicts with vendors.
The Rev. Mr. Macklin said the celebration has been going on around the country for years, but celebrations here are relatively new.
Mr. Macklin said the church is the facilitator for the event, but it is a community-wide celebration. He said the black community needs to celebrate its history and culture. The celebration ends Sunday.
"We believe in the message and teachings of Jesus Christ," he said. "But we also celebrate our culture and heritage. Juneteenth celebrates freedom and deliverance, and those are things we should celebrate. The goal is to let families come together from the young to our elders. There is something for everyone."
Fun for all
There are rides and games for young children that the pastor says are reasonably priced. Parents can buy a $7.50 wrist band and let a child ride all day.
There will be a line-dance competition and a "poetry slam" for all members of the community Saturday evening. Musical performances, face painting, clowns and a baking contest also will be featured.
Mr. Macklin said fun, games and food are not the only thing on the menu. There is also an educational component to the Juneteenth celebration.
A "Tyehimba" tent will be set up during the celebration and filled with information and educational elements. Tyehimba is Swahili for "we stand as a nation."
There will be story telling, books and school supplies offered to children. Clothing donations will be accepted and distributed to the less fortunate.
Mr. Macklin said there also will be literature and information on black history. Several older individuals, strongholds in the community and those who have survived challenging situations will be on hand to talk with and to encourage young people. Several community leaders will be honored.
Humility of Mary Health Partners will have a dental clinic, and Mr. Macklin is hoping lead testing for children will be available during the celebration.
jgoodwin@vindy.com