LIBERTY – Celebration, mingling, and music filled the air at Hanofee Park last Friday as residents came together for Sullivan County’s annual Juneteenth Festival to honor history, bring the community together, and celebrate culture. 

The free community event, which ran from noon to 4 p.m., was co-hosted by the Sullivan County NAACP Branch 2187-B and Liberty Parks and Recreation. Drawing a well-attended inflow of residents, the gathering served as a reminder of the date’s importance to residents, with community members from across Sullivan County celebrating Juneteenth while spotlighting contributions, resilience, and Black creativity in the local community. 

Those attending the event were able to experience culture and history through various performances, educational displays, and artwork, including pieces by local artist Hassina Brodie. At least 25 local vendors dotted the park offering food, crafts, and resources, while families partook in games, face painting, a bounce house, and community raffles. The day kicked off with DJ welcome music, a prayer, and a collective sing-along of “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” followed by spoken word, live painting, and a youth basketball clinic. 

Juneteenth looks back on June 19, 1865, when Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to spread the news that enslaved African Americans were liberated—more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863. Officially recognized as a federal holiday, the date serves as a reflection of remembrance toward the ongoing journey toward justice and equality. 

Speaking of reflection, guest speaker and Town of Thompson Historian Al Dumas reflected on the historical significance and long journey from emancipation to freedom in the United States. Dumas made connections between national history and present-day reflection, detailing the timeline of emancipation as well as the arrival of Union forces who steadily advanced into the South to ascertain the conclusion of slavery, through force if needed. 

He spoke of the rights given to newly liberated Black citizens and stressed the importance of remembering emancipation not just as a historic milestone, but as a constant commitment toward equality. 

“Therefore, today... it’s a time of acknowledgment and a celebration in Black American communities, with those everywhere who love justice... and show that regard here in these beautiful, magnificent United States of America,” stated Dumas. “[And] as I stand here, I’m proud to say that I am very happy to be amongst you all... I want you all to know that as long as we pay forward and be productive, nothing can stop us. Absolutely not.” 

He also discussed the lengthy timeline for emancipation, noting that even though the day carried triumph, it took a few more years for Union forces to spread the news of the abolishment of slavery. He framed the holiday as a reminder of the resilience needed along the lengthy path toward actual freedom.

Accompanied by the historical reflections were local talent and community involvement themed around unity and inclusion. Artists, performers, vendors, and organizations all cooperated to create an atmosphere centered around connection and expression.