By Maria Caceres
Singing, dancing and a dramatic reading of Gen. Order No. 3 marked the Juneteenth celebration this past Wednesday at the Carousel Museum, filling the second-floor event space to capacity.
‘The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free,” the voice of the leader of Nzinga’s Daughters rang out in the hall decorated with bright reds, yellows, whites and greens against a black background proclaiming. “Happy Juneteenth.”
In call and response fashion, others from the touring group sang out, “The people of Texas are informed …” until the entire proclamation was read. The original reading was on June 19, 1865, by U.S. Major Gen. Gordon Granger.
From upper left, counterclockwise, performers included dancers; volunteers serving food included members of the Bristol Boys and Girls Club Keystone Club, BBGC CEO Jay Maia and Shayna Swain singing “Life Every Voice and Sing.” \ Photos by David Fortier and Maria Caceres
Juneteenth became an official federal holiday, when President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law on June 17, 2021. This is the second year that the Juneteenth celebration was held at the Carousel Museum.
“I love seeing people interact,” Nigel Wynter, a member of the City Arts and Culture Commission and also a vendor displaying his work. “I love talking to people.”
Wynter was one of around 200 people who joined the festivities.
Scott Rosado, one the planners and funders of the event, said in an email, “Juneteenth is important because it commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans and celebrates freedom and equality.”
“Given the diverse demographics of Bristol, it is crucial for us to host events that are inclusive to all residents.”
Rosado, in his Juneteenth t-shirt with its brightly colored lettering, was busy throughout the event, working behind the scenes to welcome people, answer questions and direct volunteers.
The event opened with a call to order by local NAACP chapter president Tim Camerl, introductions by mistress of ceremonies Lynell Camerl Jones and an invocation by evangelist Ann Boyd.
Shayna Swain sang the Negro National Anthem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” followed by greetings from Mayor Jeffrey Caggiano, the performance by Nzinga’s Daughters and a dance performance.
After dinner, performances followed by Bulldog, Tower of Hope Dancers, the Good Samaritan Choir and Shayna Swain. DJ E-Nice provided music throughout the event.
Among the vendors were artist Wynter, Cafe Real and Bristol Hospital. Members of the BBGC Keystone Club also helped out with the Kid’s Zone on the first floor. The first 50 people to register for the free event received colorful complimentary Juneteenth Freedom Day t-shirts designed by Primo Press.
Sponsors included the City of Bristol Arts & Culture Commission, local chapter of the NAACP, the Carousel Museum, Cafe Real and Primo Press.
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