‘We’re creating black joy:’ Salisbury Juneteenth festival celebrates history, brings unity to community

SALISBURY, Md.- “I was excited about getting here and I was looking back at my ancestors and how they fought for us to be at this point,” Tindley said.

Sylvia Tindley traveled to Salisbury all the way from New Jersey, but family ties weren’t the only thing that brought her to the area. “Mission like this, Juneteenth, to celebrate and see everybody come together as one,” Tindley said.

For the 6th time, Salisbury’s Juneteenth Festival made its return Saturday. “It’s cultural right? Our style is here, our food is here, our music is here, and we don’t have to explain it. We can just enjoy and express ourselves,” Eastern Shore Juneteenth President Makya Purnell said.

Juneteenth celebrates the end of slavery in the United States after the Civil War.  Purnell says the local celebration continues to see much growth. “I think it’s a combination of things. One making it a federal holiday and I also think moving it into our downtown makes it more accessible,” Purnell said.

Outside of all the fun, Tindley says events like this also make her proud to be who she is. “We’re finally getting recognized for who we are as human beings,” Tindley said.

Although the event brought out community members of all ages, organizers say they hope to make a lasting impression on youth. “I think it’s amazing for them to have that experience. Also, for them at a young age to be able to see that blackness is something to be proud of and they can be proud of that,” Purnell said.

Salisbury Mayor Jack Heath was also there Saturday presenting a proclamation recognizing June 19th as Juneteenth Day.

Today, all fifty states and the District of Columbia recognize Juneteenth as a state holiday or observance.