Juneteenth Celebrated at Newburgh’s People Park

By Jennifer L. Warren

NEWBURGH – Natasha Dennis was happy to hear about the recent Presidential signing of the National Independence Day Act, proclaiming Juneteenth a federal holiday; however it’s far from enough.

“We really need to show our children the truth we never learned about our history and hindered us, as they are not learning the truth about our history from the schools,” said Dennis. “We were going to hold this event with or without the law passing, as we have always done so, but what we really want is our reparations- such as an anti-lynching law- for everything done to us in the past.”

Dennis was one of several people involved in helping spread that critical, educated awareness Saturday afternoon at the Newburgh Waterfront at the People’s Park. Spearheaded by the Cream Puffs, the outdoor Juneteenth celebration focused on that youth population. An assortment of fun activities, such as crafts, a dunking booth and bouncy house, filled the Park. Additionally, adults could be seen all over, engaging in informal trivia games, informing children about African-American history as well as the Juneteenth holiday. With roots tracing back to June 19, 1866, the annual holiday not only celebrates the official end of slavery in the United States, but also the freedom, culture and empowerment of African-Americans.

“The purpose of this event today is to bring unity to everyone as well as raise awareness about Juneteenth; many people did not even know what it is,” explained one of the event organizers, Daniel Gayle. “I also want to show kids there is another way to be than getting in trouble like I did when I was younger; I want to help them with financial literacy, such as learning credit and planning.” Gayle added, “Often kids don’t talk to adults because they don’t trust them, but I can relate to them and want to help bridge that gap, and this event is just one step toward that goal of working together peacefully as a community.”

That strategy appeared to be working well Saturday. Everywhere at People’s Park people were coming together, laughing and enjoying themselves. At the same time, there was a serious side; pieces of painful history were being shared, frustrations over denied reparations were discussed, and dialogue about ways to move forward in a positive manner took place. Regardless of how one chose to participate, each walked away from the event a little more hopeful about the possibilities that lie ahead for this newly declared holiday as it evolves.

“Juneteenth is special and a well overdue celebration; our ancestors were brought here by force, and forced into slavery,” said Queen Sharaina, a Newburgh Armory Dance Instructor who performed at the event. “Today is about freedom for Black Americans, and our flag shows that fight; red is for the blood that was shed, black is for our race and green is for the country of Africa.”

A large African-American flag was raised and proudly displayed throughout the entire eight hour event. These symbolic color meanings as well as much, much more powerfully resonated throughout People’s Park Saturday. A promise of even more potent future Juneteenth holidays could be felt.

Nathan affirmed, “We will make sure our kids know the truth of how things happened.” Dennis concluded, “We will also not stop fighting for those reparations.”