Lewes African- American Heritage Commission hosts Juneteenth Celebration

LEWES, Del. – Believe it or not, Juneteenth is still being celebrated on Delmarva.

The Lewes African American Heritage Commission is hosting its 4th annual Juneteenth event on Saturday, June 28th. Pastor for St. George African Methodist Episcopal Church, Reverend Dr. Deborah McCaffity spoke with us about the event.

As the former Vice Chairperson of the Commission, she says the holiday shows black resilience, and that it’s more than just a celebration, but a call to action. “People have been celebrating the freedom, but unfortunately, everybody was not entitled to the fact that they were free… Even though we are free, we still have to keep fighting for active freedom, and for equality and justice.”

Many groups on Delmarva celebrate Juneteenth annually, and this was the Commission doesn’t interfere. Dr. McCaffity quotes Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s slogan, saying the goal is to “Educate, Agitate, and Organize.”

“My hope is that the children will learn to work together, not just with black people but to uplift black people- but also to work with people of other races, and religions for that matter… Especially in this climate that we live in today, where the goal seems to be total separation of people and dissension between groups, I hope this will bring all people together.”

From music to poetry, food, and fellowship with social services resources for those in need, you can find it on Saturday, June 28th, from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm at the George H.P. Smith Park in Lewes. Organizers say if it rains, meet them at Lewes Elementary!