‘What Does it Mean to You?’: Juneteenth Celebration at Stevenson Park

ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) – On June 19th, 1865, two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation, Union General Gordon Granger rode into Galveston, Texas, and announced that the last of the enslaved were free. On June 17, 2021, Juneteenth became a federal holiday, and while its relatively recent recognition has now found its place in our nation’s acknowledgment, this day has been a cause for celebration for many years.

Abilene was part of the festivities at Stephenson Park, where the Abilene nonprofit “Let Us Breath” hosted a Juneteenth celebration. Many people gathered for an event filled with music, food, games, and an overall celebration of culture and freedom. Many vendors and event attendees say they have noticed a growth at this annual event in Abilene, where people from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and races come together for the community event.

Jeremy Washington is a vendor for Blue Boy Smoked BBQ, who was one of the many who provided food for the event, and reflected on the growth he has seen over the years.

“When you’ve got different people from all ethnicities coming, all different cultures, you know, you let everybody know. We all welcome everybody,” Washington said.

Ry Pelletier with the Abilene Pride Alliance was also in attendance and commented on how they felt a strong sense of community within the celebration.

“The more we can stand in solidarity and share that with the people who are here actively making a difference, the bigger the help can be for our community. That’s what it’s about. It’s about our neighbors helping each other and coming together as one,” Pelletier added.

Alvin Warner Jr. is a local business owner who elaborated on his reflections of the holiday, saying that while the path to this point wasn’t always an easy one, the progress being made lifts his spirits.

“It feels good. I actually get chills thinking about it because having Juneteenth as a federal holiday now is taking major strides in where we’re going. We have a long way to go still, but this is just the beginning,” Warner expressed.

Abilene City Council Member Travis Carver had the honor of being one of the individuals chosen to speak at the Juneteenth Celebration. While giving a speech to the many in attendance, Carver challenged his audience to look within themselves to find their own definition of Juneteenth.

“Juneteenth is not just a commemoration of emancipation,” Carver shared. “It’s a reminder of how freedom has always been contested to reign in this country. As we’re gathered here today, thinking about what Juneteenth really means, I ask you the question, what does it mean to you?”