Events planned to mark Juneteenth this Saturday

Organizations throughout central Pennsylvania are sponsoring a variety of activities to celebrate Juneteenth this Saturday, June 19. There is cause for celebration as both the House and the Senate recently passed legislation making Juneteenth a federal holiday.

Juneteenth commemorates the Emancipation Proclamation, which freed enslaved people in the U.S. following the Civil War. The holiday was first celebrated in Texas in 1865.

The Reading Branch of the NAACP will hold a community family barbecue from noon to 6 p.m. Penn State Health is offering a COVID-19 vaccine clinic during the celebration.

Those involved in organizing the local events say the celebration is becoming more recognized, especially as the nation focuses on justice and inclusion efforts.

“We must come together to fight for equality, equity, civil rights and mutuality in our rights and freedoms in employment, health care, the criminal justice system, education and in our political systems,” said Blanding Watson, president of the Lancaster NAACP. “We celebrate our freedom and rights, not by what we inherited, but rather, what our forefathers and foremothers fought and died for. We remember them on Juneteenth and always.”

Lynette Chappell-Williams, vice president and chief diversity officer of Penn State Health, said it is important to highlight a celebration that reflects a significant advancement in equality for all individuals. “That so many more people are aware of the date’s significance is a very positive thing.”

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