AMARILLO, Texas (KVII) — Juneteenth celebrations in Amarillo are bringing community members together to honor the day enslaved people in Texas learned they were free and to celebrate freedom, culture and unity.
Organizer Melody Graves said understanding the historic message delivered on June 19, 1865, remains a key part of the celebration.
“We have to remember our contributions and what we had to overcome to get to these places are things that we should constantly remember. And Juneteenth just gives us an opportunity to come together with everybody in the city and be able to celebrate and talk about history and remember where we came from, and be empowered about where we have the ability to go,†Graves said.
Graves said the goal is to uplift the community and come together as one.
“Oftentimes, our community gets a bad rep for whatever may happen, but ultimately it is our opportunity to show that we are a community, that we love each other, that we’re fellowshipping together, and that we really want what’s best for not only our community, but for Amarillo as a whole,†she said.
CJ Flanagan, a board member of the Juneteenth celebration, said the events are for everyone, regardless of race, gender or age.
“We are coming together as a family. We are here to celebrate, have a great time and everything. But our message to the community is that we need to support each other. We need to love one another, and this is what this week brings us. This week brings us that time together to love each other, hug each other,†Flanagan said.
Flanagan invited people to attend the remaining events, including a second annual brunch at the Black Historical Cultural Center on Friday and a parade on Saturday on Hughes Street that begins at 10 a.m.
“Mostly everything’s free other than the vendors at the park, but we really do encourage you guys to come out, enjoy, and have fun. And we have local vendors here. So there’s great information that’s being given out throughout this weekend,†Flanagan said.
Amarillo celebrates Juneteenth with events honoring freedom, culture and unity (KVII)
