GREEN BAY (NBC 26) — A beautiful day to celebrate Juneteenth in Green Bay. Joanne's Park was the site of the third annual event hosted by "We All Rise African American Resource Center".
"This is what community looks like," Robin Scott, the Executive Director of "We All Rise" said. "I have so much joy."
It was a place where everyone of all races was invited. Thousands showed up between 11 in the morning and seven at night. Juneteenth, for many, symbolizes freedom. It's the day slaves were emancipated.
"We get to talk about the soul of black people and enjoy black energy, black lives... black creativity, and so you'll see a lot of businesses around here," Scott said.
Over 50 local, black-owned business that is. From the grill and the food trucks, to the jewelry box and clothing.
"I feel absolutely awesome to be a pillar of the community as all of us are growing and glowing," Latosha Greenleaf, the owner of "Urban Cultural Arts" said. The gallery set up a painting station.
"It [Juneteenth] represents our freedom, and you know, just the ability to be able to do anything and go anywhere..." Greenleaf said.
While the day was all smiles, dancing and games, there's still a lot of work to be done. As Scott explains, the day is also a time to take a look at what's really happening in our community. Though she does add, we are making headway. Mayor Eric Genrich presented a proclamation today, marking June 18, 2022 the official day of Juneteenth celebration.
"We're making huge strides and setting the tone for what supporting black culture looks like in our city." Scott said.
