Juneteenth Celebration
June 16, 2007

"Juneteenth" is a national event.

"Our Youth are our Future." Was the theme of this year's Juneteenth Celebration in Rochester.

The Freedomway Business Association sponsored the fifth annual event at the Susan B. Anthony Square.

Nationally today, Juneteenth celebrations commemorate the ending of slavery in the United States and emphasize education and achievement.

"With everything that's going on in our community with the violence and the trouble that we're having with the lack of jobs that sometimes we all need to get together and show some joy and experience the warm fuzzies, that really brings us together," said event organizer, Beverly Deason.

The local celebration included entertainment from church choirs, steppers, double-dutch teams, rappers, as well as special events for children.