Town of Princess Anne celebrates Juneteenth with annual event
PRINCESS ANNE, Md. – A four-year strong tradition has kept people coming back to historic Princess Anne to celebrate Black freedom and community, every Juneteenth.
The streets of Downtown Princess Anne once told stories of tragic lynchings and racism, but at Wednesday’s celebration, event organizer, Shelley Johnson, said they now tell a different story; one of the Black community reclaiming its power and celebrating freedom.
“We felt like it was a day that we really needed to celebrate, so we just wanted to bring it to the streets and make sure that we were celebrating Juneteenth on that day, so people really had the true meaning of what Juneteenth really is,” Johnson said.
The global movement that came after the murder of George Floyd resulted in the birth of the annual Princess Anne celebration.
Event organizer, Tomasha Blount, said they wanted to show that their town had the power to make a difference.
“Everybody in the state was kind of marching and walking and joining the movement, so I was like, ‘Why not? Somerset County is small, but we have power here.”
Because of the town’s commitment to keep the tradition alive, Mashall Todman said Princess Anne has become a spot where Black history is showcased and appreciated.
“People from all different areas come and celebrate our heritage. Whether it be from Salisbury, Pocomoke, or the local community coming together as one and making this a joyous event,” Todman said.
