HUNDREDS GATHERED at Nicholl Park in Richmond over the weekend to celebrate Juneteenth after a parade down South 37th Street and MacDonald Avenue.
The day was filled with live performances from local musicians, singers, and rappers.
Richmond has had week of events in commemoration of Juneteenth.
Officially known as Juneteenth National Independence Day, the day is federal holiday in the United States that is celebrated annually around June 19 to commemorate the end of slavery.
Richmond’s annual Juneteenth acts as an opportunity to promote peace and solidarity within the community. According to the city of Richmond, Juneteenth emphasizes reflecting the city’s history, acknowledging the challenges ahead, and standing together in pursuit of a more just and equitable society.
On Friday, The Silence our Violence Leadership Summit took place, an event gathering youth leaders and faith activists for panels, performances and community-driven solutions to end gun violence during the city’s week-long Juneteenth celebrations. The event was sponsored by the city and the K. Stewart Foundation, an organization based in Richmond that describes itself as “a community for Out+Excellent LGBTQ+ folk and our families to connect, define safety, and thrive.”
K. Stewart, founder of the K. Stewart Foundation, was at Saturday’s event and said she has been celebrating Juneteenth for years and has been to at least 20 festivals.
“I remember being on the youth stage when I was younger and now, I’m bringing my daughter,” she said.
Nailah Milan watched as her son, Rayland Albert, 16, drew in a crowd singing vocals for The Oaktown Sound on the youth stage.
Lloyd Cunningham is a Richmond resident and business owner. He attended Saturday’s event in front of his optical shop on MacDonald Avenue.
“It’s a fun event,” he said. “We see a lot of new people in the neighborhood — and they see us.”
According to Cunningham, the Juneteenth parade — which passes by his business annually — draws in a crowd and better connects him with neighbors. Cunningham has been at this location for two years and now sets up a booth outside of his shop with $8 jewelry and accessories for sale during the parade.
“This event comes at such an important time when the narrative is about creating division,” said Tim Simmons, Assistant Chief of Police in Richmond. “It’s events like these that bring people together. Seeing all the people together that you see in different parts of the city, it’s like a big family reunion.”