APPLETON (NBC 26) — African Heritage, Inc. will host the 11th annual Juneteenth Celebration from Noon until 6 p.m. Sunday, June 13 at Jones Park in Appleton.
Juneteenth marks the ending of chattel slavery in the United States.
"You know, that's the meaning for Juneteenth... being free," said Laura Jones, social and community service outreach director for African Heritage Inc. "Black folks being free from slavery. They say that Abraham Lincoln freed the slaves, but we really weren't free until a couple of years later. So, Juneteenth is really the true day that we celebrate our freedom."
This year’s celebration highlights excellence and pride. Musical guests will include Grammy-nominated Musiq Soulchild. There will also be a celebration of the class of 2021, an 80-member carnival group parade, petting zoo, food vendors and a free COVID-19 vaccination clinic.
"You're here, you get to ask questions and it's a comfortable space," Jones said. "We know that there's a mistrust in the healthcare community and the healthcare system with black and African Americans. So why not bring this opportunity to where they're already going to be and say 'Hey, we're here with you, we support you.'"
For more information on the free event, visit https://www.africanheritageinc.org/juneteenth/
