Juneteeth held at Historic Billy Gene Jackson, Sr. Park
MARYLAND – Freedom celebrations have been happening all over Maryland, including right here in Salisbury. Residents gathered for a Juneteenth celebration where they enjoyed music, vendors, and more and organizers explained how they used this event to empower the voices of their community.
Freedom for Black people was officially declared 159 years ago by the last remaining enslaved. Years later, Black people continue to show unity and celebrate that freedom like Salisbury resident Angela Morton. “To me, we’re always free, you’re free if you renew your mind… You know, it was announced in 1865 that we were free. So come out and celebrate that That is something. Know your history and grow from it.”
Angela is the Chair of Faith over Fear Economic Empowerment, Inc. They encourage the community to educate themselves and vote because where they say, quote “Voting is Everyone’s Business.
She says the Juneteenth celebration was the perfect place to reach a broader community. “Voting is important, I think in our community our numbers are low, so we really want to increase the awareness about voting… We don’t tell you who to vote for, but we want you to be registered and voting and in tuned to what’s happening in your community.”
Not only did they have voter registration tables but also various Black-owned businesses. Salisbury Kwanzaa Club President Demetria Marshall-Leonard says the location is perfect since Billy Gene Jackson historically fought for minority rights. “It is important to have this event at this park because it represents our culture and our history. A lot of people that went on before us, our ancestors paved the way, especially Black leaders in the community.”
Local Salisbury organizations at Billy Gene Jackson Park for a Community Field Day where they say “Unity is everything” Angela and Demetria tells us that is the reason an event like this can be successful and that the more we educate ourselves, the more we are empowered. “It means everything Juneteenth to me, it means like, I got on my I love my Governor shirt, because it means like people like him can actually be elected to office,” says Demetria.
Angela of Faith of Fear adds with excitement, “I think If we come together, it shows that we are working together, and we want the youth to see that as adults, that we are all going to work as one.” Organizers say they can’t wait to do this again next year, and the Salisbury Kwanzaa Club says they plan to host celebrations throughout the year and tell the community to stay tuned.
