Williamsport’s first communitywide Juneteenth event was filled with joy, laughter, dancing, good food and great company as the community gathered to celebrate the newly declared national holiday.
“Love is here today. That’s why we are here today — to celebrate freedom,” said soul food scholar Adrian Miller.
Miller, one of the guest speakers at the event, explained how soul food can encourage love and connection between people, and the idea of “setting a welcome table.”
“It’s the idea of radical hospitality,” he said. “It is recognizing that there is humanity in everyone, and that if we sit at the table, we can recognize everybody’s humanity. … Because remember, cooking is an act of love. When somebody cooks a meal for you, they’re saying that they care for your survival.”
“The second thing is to stay at the table. We have to stay at the table and do the work. It’s also a matter of creating an environment that is open for someone that disagrees with us,” continued. “And then, if you disagree with someone, it’s a matter of holding that tension to say okay, I don’t agree with where you’re coming from. I’m trying to understand you, but I love you as a human being and we’re going to continue this work.”
The event hosted a multitude of vendors and artisans, who sold food, clothing, artwork, raffle tickets, and more.
One of the vendors, Airneezer Paige Bingham, founder and executive director of Community Connections, shared her excitement for the joyous celebration.
“This is my dream come true,” she said. “I couldn’t be more proud … I just love Williamsport and I am just so proud of the women who took it upon themselves and selflessly gave up their time and gave up their resources to make this happen.”
Paige Bingham’s grandson, Josiah Coleman, 17, of Williamsport, was one of the many artists at the event. Coleman shared how he felt about his artwork.
“I try to have people see it the way they see it,” Coleman said. “I don’t focus on what I see, I try to focus on what they see.”
He also expressed his gratitude for the event.
“I think today is great,” he said. “I like to celebrate Juneteenth, to celebrate our heritage and history.”
Another artist, Kalyn Hope, also shared her appreciation for the event.
“I think it’s so nice to see happy people dancing,” she said. “And just positive energy. I just feel like it’s much-needed sometimes. And to see little kids happy and dancing.”
“I think it’s important for the area,” Hope continued. “Because of COVID, we were all so confined. It’s nice to be around people and to see people.”
Scott Metzger, Lycoming county commissioner, shared some history behind the event.
“Juneteenth, a day of remembrance, whereas President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation on Jan. 1, 1863, declaring slaves in the Confederate territory free, paving the way for the passing of the 13th Amendment, which formally abolishes slavery in the United States of America,” Metzger said, adding that the proclamation was delayed until June 19, 1865.
Lycoming Tri-county NAACP planned the celebration, and hopes to make it an annual event, according to a report from WNEP.
“Let’s continue to uplift, let’s continue to celebrate, and let’s continue to educate, today and every single day, as we do all of the work that needs to be done,” Williamsport Mayor Derek Slaughter said. “I look forward to having this annual event every single year, and making it bigger and better each year.”
The Link LonkJune 21, 2021 at 11:02AM
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Williamsport community celebrates new federal holiday, Juneteenth | News, Sports, Jobs - Williamsport Sun-Gazette
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