On June 17th, Orlando State Senator Geraldine Thompson and Orlando State Representative LaVon Bracy Davis are partnering with community leaders and organizations to host a festival at Bill Breeze Park in Ocoee celebrating Juneteenth.
The Democratic Senator and Representative will be commemorating Juneteenth, which is the day in 1865 years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed, when the last of formerly enslaved people in America learned of their freedom, with the community at the free festival.
WHAT: Juneteenth Resource and Cultural Arts Festival
WHEN: Saturday, June 17th, 2023 10:00am-4:00pm
WHERE: Bill Breeze Park, 125 N Lakeshore Dr, Ocoee, FL, 34761
Freedom is the foundation of the celebration of Juneteenth, which began 157 years ago in 1865 at the end of the Civil War when formerly enslaved people were informed that President Abraham Lincoln had signed the Emancipation Proclamation and they were then free. Union soldiers rode throughout the South and read the Emancipation Proclamation in numerous locations. In Mississippi, people observe the 8th of May or EightOMay as Emancipation Day. In Florida, soldiers read the Emancipation Proclamation on May 20, 1865 in Tallahassee and some Floridians recognize that date as Emancipation Day. Juneteenth, however, is celebrated nationally and internationally as the date that the last of formerly enslaved people in America learned of their freedom. Today, Juneteenth is a National Holiday and throughout America, celebrations will be held on June 19th, the date in 1865 when some of the last enslaved people located in Galveston, Texas learned of their freedom.
The Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club will recreate the ride of the Union Soldiers proclaiming freedom and converge at Bill Breeze Park. Poets, dancers, jazz artists, bands and vocalists will perform throughout the event. The event will offer over 20 community resource booths including: free diapers from CFL Diaper Bank, free food donated by Daily Bread, legal assistance offered with Legal Aid Society, and much more!
Volunteers will be on site to help with college scholarships, registering to vote, Healthcare Marketplace, and Medicare. Enjoy live performances from Shawn Welcome, CFC Arts, Jazz Trombonist Derek Harris, Lydea Strickland, Edgez Dance, and DJ Knight Train.
“We recognize that freedom comes in many forms and while we celebrate Juneteenth and the end of slavery, we want members of the community to have resources that will free them from food insecurity, lack of diapers for young children, barriers to higher education, legal issues and other challenges they face today,” Senator Thompson added. “During the Festival, we will present a signed copy of the Tyre Sampson Act to members of his family who will join us for the event and hopefully bring some assurance to them that their son’s life and tragic death will result in greater safety for people who patronize amusement rides in Florida.”
The Juneteenth Resource and Cultural Arts Festival is free to the public and all items provided are free.
To ensure an adequate supply of resources, individuals interested in participating are asked to register with the office.
Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, District 5 Commissioner Regina Hill and District 6 Commissioner Bakari Burns are hosting a Juneteenth celebration in Orlando.
