Columbian Park in Lafayette hosts Juneteenth event to celebrate freedom

LAFAYETTE, Ind. — The Baptist Student Foundation and Younger Women’s Task Force will host a free Juneteenth celebration noon-4 p.m. Saturday, June 18, at Columbian Park.

Juneteenth is also known as Emancipation Day, and it is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the end of slavery in the United States, according to a release from the foundation.

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"The mission of Juneteenth Celebration, Greater Lafayette, is to highlight people and organizations that value the full humanity of all through their diversity and ascribe to the ideals of honoring and celebrating freedom," the release said. "The Baptist Student Foundation, ‘The Found,’ strives to be a place for racial/social justice, where all people are heard, honored, and respected regardless of their ethnicity, beliefs, or social/cultural and religious practices. "

Rodney Lynch, a pastor at The Baptist Student Foundation, spoke further on what Juneteenth is and why it is important that we celebrate it.

"In the spirit of Juneteenth," Lynch said, "which represents freedom, from enslavement, 'cause as you know, the reason why we celebrate Juneteenth is because Jan. 1, 1865, the emancipation proclamation became enforced at midnight (on that date)…It wasn't until June 19, 1865, when the enslaved people in Texas was made aware.

"...In the spirit of Juneteenth, we want to bring communities together."

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Saturday's event will be a celebration of culture specifically related to the contributions of Black people. Black talent and business owners within the Greater Lafayette community will be featured Saturday.

"Food will be supplied by the Taste of Chicago, a local food truck," the release stated, "and musical entertainment will be provided by Sheeza, Ebony and the Ruckus, Velocity District, three bands fronted by black women, and a community gospel choir led by Derrick Williams."

Also featured will be the artwork of Che Grafton, which will appear on the event T-shirts and posters.

"Additionally, community organizations will be represented to provide information about resources in the community, such as community gardens, health screenings, mental health, haircuts, etc.," the release said.

A full list of sponsoring organizations and businesses that will be represented at the event are available at the Juneteenth Celebration Greater Lafayette's Facebook page.

Margaret Christopherson is a reporter for the Journal & Courier. Email her at mchristopherson@jconline.com and follow her on Twitter @MargaretJC2.

Noe Padilla is a reporter for the Journal & Courier. Email him at Npadilla@jconline.com and follow him on Twitter at 1NoePadilla.

This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: Lafayette Juneteenth event at Columbian Park to celebrate freedom