We are so excited to hear from Natasha Bethea Goodwin, publisher of Macaroni KID District Heights, Md. about how important Juneteenth is to her family. Before we share Natasha's story, I want to list all of the Monroe-West Monroe celebrations. Happy Juneteenth! - Missy Robertson, Publisher Macaroni KID Monroe-West Monroe
Local Events:
12th Annual Juneteenth Celebration and Parade
The community's traditional Juneteenth Parade will be held on Saturday, June 17. Participants will line up at Wossman High School and travel down Berg Jones Lane to end at the Louisiana Purchase Gardens & Zoo Pavilion. Family-oriented fun including picnics, games, entertainment, and free food will be there at Charles Johnson Park for all to enjoy!
Parade lineup is at 9:00 AM and it rolls out at 10:00 AM.
Date: June 17th, 2023
Time: 9 am - 11 am
Location: Wossman High School, 1600 Arizona Ave., Monroe, LA
4th Annual Juneteenth Jubilee
Celebrate local black-owned businesses at the 4th Annual Juneteenth Jubilee! There will be live entertainment, kid-friendly activities, shopping, food vendors, health expos, and more.
Date: June 17th, 2023
Time: 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Location: Downtown Rivermarket, 316 S. Grand St., Monroe, LA
Juneteenth Health and Healing Walk-a-Thon in Memory of Nancy Johnson
NEDHSA is sponsoring the African American Heritage Museum's Juneteenth Walk-a-Thon
Date: June 17th,
Juneteenth Celebration: Black Love Matters
Appreciation. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. A celebration and multi-faceted, multi-disciplinary program highlighting the importance of Love for self and others for health, wealth, and fulfillment.
Date: June 19th, 2023
Time: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Location: Northeast Louisiana Delta African American Heritage Museum, 1051 Chennault Park Dr., Monroe, LA
Living Waters Ministries International presents: Juneteenth Worship Service
We will hold a church service to celebrate the Juneteenth Holiday. You can expect to have great praise and worship and a great message.
Date: June 25th, 2023
Time: 10:45 am - 12:45 pm
Location: 645 US-80, Monroe, LA
A Culmination Celebration, Juneteenth Motown Concert Presenting: Tim Mitchell and Cara Black
Date: July 1st, 2023
Time: 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Location: Northeast Louisiana Delta African American Heritage Museum, 1051 Chennault Park Dr., Monroe, LA
As a proud African American, Juneteenth has always held a special place in my heart. It symbolizes true freedom and serves as an opportunity for me to pay homage to my ancestors.
I vividly recall not too long ago passionately advocating at my workplace for the recognition of Juneteenth as an official holiday. Thankfully, my plea didn't go unnoticed, and our leadership made the wise decision to acknowledge its importance.
Then, in 2021, something incredible happened – Juneteenth was officially declared a federal holiday by President Joe Biden when he signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law. It was an unforgettable milestone for our culture, and as African Americans, we finally felt seen and acknowledged. This historic moment meant so much to us.
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What the holiday means
Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, is a day that commemorates a remarkable event: The moment when news of the Emancipation Proclamation finally reached the last enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 1865. Can you believe it? That's two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was actually issued!
Juneteenth is a pivotal milestone in our nation's journey toward freedom. It's not just a celebration. It's a powerful reminder of the obstacles African Americans have confronted and continue to face in their quest for equality. This holiday encourages us to take a moment and reflect on the progress we've made since that historic day in 1865, while also recognizing the work that still lies ahead in the pursuit of true racial justice and inclusivity.
A day to celebrate, uplift, and reflect
 Photo courtesy of Natasha Bethea Goodwin |
The author, in the middle, with her friends and family celebrating Juneteenth.
When Juneteenth comes around, it's a day I always look forward to spending with my loved ones. It's all about connecting, having a great time, and celebrating together.
We like to gather around for a fun-filled BBQ, where we not only satisfy our taste buds, but also nourish our souls with meaningful conversations.
We share stories of success and achievement, stories that would surely make our ancestors beam with pride. It's incredible to see how far we've come and the barriers we've overcome.
But it doesn't stop there.
We brainstorm ideas, share our dreams, and talk about the ways we can contribute to the advancement of our community. It's all about uplifting each other and building a brighter future for generations to come.
Celebrating Juneteenth with kids
 Monkey Business Images | Canva |
Juneteenth is also a perfect opportunity to engage with our children, teaching them about the significance of this day and the struggles that many people have endured.
By celebrating Juneteenth, we're ensuring our children grow up with a deeper understanding of history and a commitment to creating a more equitable future.
As parents, we can engage in age-appropriate conversations, sharing stories and historical facts about the significance of this day. We can watch documentaries or movies with our children that shed light on the experiences of African Americans throughout history. We can even participate in local community events or organize our own activities as a family that celebrates the achievements and contributions of the African American community.
Read more: How To Talk To Children About Juneteenth
Juneteenth is an opportunity for everyone, regardless of background, to empathize, listen, and learn from the experiences of African Americans. It's a time to amplify their voices, acknowledge the ongoing struggles, and actively participate in creating a more equitable society.
Understanding and celebrating Juneteenth is not limited to a single day. It's a continuous journey of growth and appreciation that we can embark on throughout the year.
Natasha Bethea Goodwin is the publisher of Macaroni KID District Heights, Md.
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