Bluffton Juneteenth Festival
June 16-18, 2023
Juneteenth began in 1865. Two years after the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, freedom finally came on June 19, 1865, when some 2,000 Union troops arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas. The army announced that the more than 250,000 enslaved black people in the state, were free by executive decree. This day came to be known as "Juneteenth," by the newly freed people in Texas.
The post-emancipation period known as Reconstruction (1865-1877) marked an era of great hope, uncertainty, and struggle for the nation as a whole. Formerly enslaved people immediately sought to reunify families, establish schools, run for political office, push radical legislation and even sue slaveholders for compensation. Given the 200+ years of enslavement, such changes were nothing short of amazing. Not even a generation out of slavery, African Americans were inspired and empowered to transform their lives and their country.
Juneteenth marks our country’s second independence day. Although it has long celebrated in the African American community, this monumental event remains largely unknown to most Americans.
The historical legacy of Juneteenth shows the value of never giving up hope in uncertain times.
Bluffton held its first Juneteenth Celebration in 2015. Bluffton was one of the first if not the first municipalities to recognize Juneteenth as an official holiday before the federal designation of the holiday in 2021.
This year, the Bluffton Juneteenth Festival will kick-off with the 2nd Annual Black Food Truck Friday Festival Friday, June 16, 5 – 10 p.m. at Buckwalter Commerce Park, 25 Buckwalter Place Blvd. This event will host an array of Black-owned food trucks and vendors, featuring menus ranging from Gullah inspired to Caribbean flared. While there, guests will be thrilled by live entertainment from Smooth -N- Groove, The Soulmate and a DJ. There will be a dedicated Kids Zone play area with games, water slides and bouncy houses. This family-inclusive event is free and open to the public.
The fun resumes on Saturday, June 17 at the Burnt Church Distillery, 120 Bluffton Rd., 4 – 10 p.m. with live entertainment, performing artists, food and artisan vendors, a kid’s zone, drum circle, and much more! This free event will feature the Sea Ports hottest DJ; CJ the DJ, in addition to performances by John Simmons, MAJ Drum Circle, gospel shout hour, Gullah/Africana Historian Dr. Toure, along with readings by Town Council Member Fred Hamilton and Mayor Lisa Sulka. Shuttles will be provided to and from this event beginning at 3:30 p.m. from Red Cedar Elementary School, 10 Box Elder St., where ample, free parking is available. Personal lawn chairs are welcomed and encouraged.
Sunday, June 18 at Burnt Church Distillery with the 3rd annual Jazz Brunch, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. This ticketed event will include a catered buffet from Melly Mel’s, along with mimosa and dessert bars. Additional beverages including beer, cocktails and wine are available for purchase separately. Advance ticket sales are discounted ($75), and purchases can be made on eventbrite through midnight, June 15th. Day of purchases ($100) will be available while seating remains open. Tickets are selling fast, so reserve yours today!
Both Friday and Saturday's event will have tons of activities for kids to enjoy. There will be a designated play zone at each event free to families and open to the public.
Sonya Grant, Vendor
Bridgette Frazier, Board Chair
Bluffton MLK Observance Committee
561-452-3703
http://www.BlufftonMLK.org
BlufftonMLK@Yahoo.com
WHHI Daily News Anchor: Betsy McDaniel
June 2023
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