Grass Valley, CA, May 29, 2024 – Color Me Human and community friends will be celebrating Juneteenth on Saturday, June 29th from Noon till 3:00pm in the Condon Park Pavilion area in Grass Valley. This year’s theme, ‘Passing The Torch to the Next Generation’ is designed for children, families and friends to celebrate our nation’s continuing quest for ‘liberty and justice for all.’ All ages are welcome and encouraged to attend. Festivities include kid’s activities, spoken word, poetry, a DJ, and most of all, community connections and conversation. The gathering begins at noon and the formal program starts at 1:30.
Attendees are encouraged to bring a side dish or dessert to share, and BYOD (drink!). We will be grilling meat and veggie options to complement the potluck side dishes.
Juneteenth celebrates June 19, 1865, when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced that all enslaved people were free. Although the Civil War had ended, freedom remained elusive as many plantation owners moved to Texas to continue the practice of slavery far from the reach of the Union Army. Thus, for thousands of enslaved African-Americans, Juneteenth, as it later became known, was recognized as the day of liberation. Formerly enslaved African-Americans celebrated Juneteenth every year thereafter, and in 2021, it became a federal holiday. It is, in fact, the only day our nation officially recognizes the end of the enslavement of four million African-Americans.
The Color Me Human Board of Directors issued a joint statement, with Board Member Daryl Grigsby noting, “Juneteenth is important in two ways. First, it celebrates what July 4 did not do, that is, end slavery. Second, and more significantly, it reminds us that democracy, freedom, and justice are not fulfilled until every person is treated with dignity and respect and thus – the struggle continues.’
Color Me Human’s Juneteenth event addresses both elements: celebrating what has been accomplished and working towards a better, more just society. This is why the focus of the event is on children, youth, and the next generation, as they take up and carry the torch of freedom and justice. Come join us as we celebrate the past and commit to a better future.’
About Color Me Human
Led by a multi-racial, multi-cultural team, Color Me Human is dedicated to celebrating and supporting under-resourced communities in our county. Our mission is to fearlessly fight systems of oppression and boldly champion equity and inclusion for all people, serving as a bridge to building a vibrant and empowered community. We strive to create a welcoming environment where the positive contributions of every individual are recognized and valued.