Juneteenth celebrations highlight history, possibilities

Maricopa residents recognized and celebrated a history of freedom and resilience with two Juneteenth weekend events.

The day commemorates the enforcement of the Emancipation Proclamation on June 19, 1865, declaring the freeing of enslaved people two years earlier. That day came to be known as Juneteenth, a fusion of “June” and “nineteenth.”

The holiday emphasizes that declaration of freedom but also serves as a reminder of the country’s history, said Joanna Vanderpool, an organizer of one event.

“What type of country would we have been if we had a permanent underclass of people who were slaves?” Vanderpool said. “We broke that vicious behavior; it’s America’s sin.”

Community volunteer Jim Irving agreed.

“It gives us a chance to remember and not forget the meaning of this day,” he said.

In Maricopa, Juneteenth celebrations highlighted culture and history, while also connecting the community with resources.

One event at Global Water combined education and entertainment. The event provided access to financial literacy and business resources.

“Money motivates people and … we want to try to help people do that in a proper way,” said Jelani Elliott, founder of For The Kulture Entertainment and the event’s organizer.

Discussions ranged from tips on opening a business to currency trading to real estate. Elliott said he was excited for community members to not only learn new skills but also to remember their roots.

“It’s important to celebrate Juneteenth because we’re recognizing our freedom and where we came from,” he said.

Another celebration held at Maricopa Library and Cultural Center focused on the history that led to Juneteenth and some of the cultural symbols behind the day.

In one part of the program, community members read selections from “Freedom Over Me,” a book featuring the stories of slaves living in 1882. Vanderpool helped write a script based on the book, which conjured some emotions from performers and the audience.

“I could tell when somebody really got into it, like Jim (Irving),” she said. “He got choked up as he was telling the story.”

Vanessa Nibbs, a Santa Rosa Springs resident, said she attended and appreciated the intention behind both events.

“It’s an opportunity to celebrate our heritage,” Nibbs said. “It’s a great opportunity for other to lift us up and show how far we’ve come.”