On June 4, the Panther Pit was a lively venue with music, food, and art activities for the annual Juneteenth celebration.
Juneteenth, now a national holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States, is usually celebrated on June 19. However, Haven’s Young Activist’s Coalition and Black Student Union have been committed the past two years to hosting the event while school is still in session.
“It was really fun planning it,” sophomore and BSU leader Daija Bradwell said. “It feels great just to have a community around us that likes to celebrate this really important holiday.”
Students painted all kinds of Juneteenth themed pictures using red, black, green, and yellow, originating from the colors of the pan-African flag. Paintings depicted slogans such as “Fight the power…” and “I love Juneteenth”, as well as more abstract designs. Students also read poems and made speeches during an open-mic period.
“I got to give a little speech send-off to our seniors and our YAC leaders who’ve done so much for this club and who’ve made YAC really amazing,” junior Pearl Tweedy said.
Freshman Bianca Blake read an original poem titled “American Tears,” and Bradwell read the poem “Juneteenth” by Noah Griffin.
Club leaders also extended invitations to the middle school, which was appreciated by teachers and staff. Middle school counselor Ms. Mariah Powell participated in art activities alongside club members.
“I love the inclusion and diversity and awareness that is on the rise here in the district,” Powell said. “I hope it continues.”
While the celebrations were planned for the ortho lot, same as last year, the venue was changed to the Panther Pit due to a lack of chairs. However, the YAC and BSU clubs successfully relocated their collaboration.
“We came back together and we just knew what we needed to get done at that point,” freshman and BSU leader Bianca Blake said. “I’m really glad that we were able to put this together again.”
Along with the fun activities, leaders emphasized the importance of bringing awareness to the holiday and celebrating the accomplishments of the past.
“It’s a really important day in our nation’s history,” junior and BSU leader Elizabeth Mboowa said. “I think it’s really important to celebrate letting people be free in a better turn of history. Why not celebrate nice things?”
Juneteenth isn’t just important for members of YAC and BSU, but also for the overall student body to understand and learn more about.
“I think one of the key things here is that representation matters,” YAC and BSU club adviser Ms. Alissa Harvey said. “We want to make sure that all of our students feel welcome.”
YAC and BSU previously collaborated on the Black History Month assembly in February. Next year, the groups plan to continue organizing activities for advocacy and fun.
“Join YAC,” Mboowa said. “We have lots of fun every single year, every single day, every single second.”
