Juneteenth is drawing significantly more national attention this year. And, Dover residents did not miss out on the chance to join the celebration.
Clouds and a few sprinkles did not stop Dover’s Juneteenth celebration Friday.
Black Lives Matter Shirts, African art, and other cultural foods were on full display near William Henry Middle School.
For one of its organizers, Kyla Bonelli, it means shining more light on a day that’s often forgotten in American history.
“A lot of people haven’t known the history of Juneteenth or even the day of Juneteenth. But because of everything that the black people and the African American community have faced today, everyone has come together and they’re like “No, We’re celebrating Juneteenth.”,” Bonelli said. “Because this is for our people and this is when our people were finally freed and even then they were still not freed.”
Cameron Corbett and his organization, One Life, was one of sponsors of this year’s event.
He believes Delaware could do more for African Americans, but understands change isn’t coming overnight.
“I feel like I’ve was disappointed and let down. But, you know for as last weeks has overcame. We’ve definitely have been doing better. Been more impactful,” Corbett said. “It’s little steps week by week. It’s not going to be easy. It’s not going be too hard. But, as long as we work together, it would the right flow and right speed.”
Federal and state lawmakers have strongly pushed for Juneteenth to be a paid holiday in recent weeks in response to protests against racism and police brutality. Gov. John Carney closed state offices Friday in observance of the holiday. Dover and Wilmington also closed along with Kent and New Castle County offices.