Juneteenth celebration this Saturday at Thyen-Clark Cultural Center Atrium

A community Juneteenth celebration is set to offer residents an opportunity to learn about the holiday’s historical significance while experiencing Black culture through food, music, and educational activities.

Jasper Arts and the Jasper Public Library are celebrating the fourth annual Juneteenth Community Event in the Atrium in the Thyen-Clark Cultural Center this Saturday, June 14th, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The community is invited to an afternoon celebrating the anniversary of June 19, 1865, an annual holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States.

“Juneteenth was a holiday unknown to a lot of individuals, until recently, when it was passed as an official government holiday,” says committee member Emily Klein. “It is an important day in history that is celebrated to symbolize the end of slavery in the United States.”

The event, organized in collaboration with the Jasper Public Library, will feature multiple booths represented by community members and organizations focusing on historical figures, events, and interactive activities.

Attendees can expect to experience homemade soul food, participate in line dancing lessons led by Candy Neal, and receive free Juneteenth welcome packets with information about the holiday and its history.

“Even if the holiday does not directly affect you – learning together with your friends, family or children about something new is so significant,” the organizers explained. “We can only better our community when we better understand our neighbors, friends and each other.”

The celebration will include community booths where visitors can learn more about Black historical events and figures who were inventors, mentors, heroes, and educators.

Organizers hope the event creates a sense of community and belonging among all who attend. Klein emphasizes that the celebration aims to highlight connections between people from different backgrounds.

“I am excited to share the culture, music, dancing, and food that may be ‘different’ to others….but in reality, when we all come together as a community, we start to see the similarities and connections we have with one another,” they shared.

This educational and celebratory approach aligns with the relatively recent national recognition of Juneteenth. The holiday commemorates June 19, 1865, when Union soldiers brought news of freedom to enslaved people in Galveston, Texas – more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed.

“Our hope is for everyone to walk away with learning a new bit of history they did not know or maybe did not realize happened in history, before attending the event,” the organizers said.

The organizers believe that through shared experiences of culture, food, and learning, the celebration can foster greater understanding and unity within the community.

“I hope everyone stepping into the building feels a sense of unity, a sense of belonging–and a sense of community!” Emily Colucci-Peak, a co-organizer, said. “And above all things, my hope is for everyone to experience a community celebration!”

The event offers a chance for community members to connect with a significant aspect of American history while celebrating together in an atmosphere of learning and cultural appreciation.

“When we all come together as a community, we start to see the similarities and connections we have with one another……and that’s when we begin to create a beautiful unity,” Klein concluded.

Community Organizations joining the event this year are:
-Jasper Arts
-Jasper Public Library
-Vincennes University Jasper
-Mentors for Youth
-Girl Scouts
-Local Health Care providers
-Local Educators
-Creating Community Connections
-Matthew 25
-Dubois County PRIDE
-Parents Supporting Education
-ONE-Dubois County
-Locking Arms
-Community CHEW
-Dubois County Human Society
The event will feature delicious soul food samplings, community booths, line dancing for all, music, poetry reading, arts and crafts, trivia, story reading, activities and games.

The event is an Open House, family-friendly, open to all ages, and FREE!