The Black national anthem “Lift Every Voice and Sing” rang out in Founders Park in downtown Springfield as the Juneteenth Freedom Festival kicked off Wednesday. The day, which became a federally recognized holiday in 2021, marks the anniversary of when news of the Emancipation Proclamation reached enslaved Black people in Galveston, Texas, in 1865. Galveston was the last Confederate state where the proclamation was issued at the end of the Civil War.
A variety of speakers and artists took to the stage throughout the day to commemorate Freedom Day at Springfield’s historic park, as people of all ages, races and walks of life celebrated the holiday. Local merchants sold ethnic-inspired hair products, graphic tees and handmade crafts. At the back of the park, grills smoked as they prepared to serve free hot dogs and burgers to attendees.
This is the sixth Freedom Fest held by grassroots organizers, but this year marked the first time the event was held under the official Shine Foundation 417 and its board of directors. Board member O’Brien Daniels said the event takes months to prepare, but allowing the group to operate in an official capacity has opened up opportunities to receive grants and other support. She said each year it’s an opportunity to bring the community together to celebrate something that’s been commemorated for generations, and the goal is to continue to grow that impact.
“This isn’t about skin color, this is about unity,” she said. “As a local, it really warms my heart to see us playing together, coming together and putting our differences aside to just be together.”
The need for awareness
One of the booths set up at the festival was that of Mosaic Arts Collective, which supports diversity and inclusion in Springfield’s arts community. Victoria Fernald said participating in an event celebrating the local Black community was a way to share their mission of providing more opportunities for people who don’t typically have access to them in the arts.
Barry Hairston, who has attended the festival in the past, said it’s a day to remember the history of the country, the city and its people.
“We can live the same way white people have always lived,” said Hairston, who owns a farm west of Springfield and whose daughters run a restaurant.
As Juneteenth traditions and celebrations continue to grow, Hairston said she hopes Black history will be taught as part of American history so younger generations of families can learn about their roots.
“Black history is American history. We have to embrace the good and the bad,” he said. “We have to embrace it all.”
Wednesday’s celebration is just one of several taking place in Springfield this year to mark the occasion. Sade Shine, who started the festival six years ago, said in her address to the crowd that Juneteenth should include more events and multiple celebrations, just like Independence Day.
“We’re celebrating the freedom of the American people,” she said. “If you’re a true patriot, if you really believe in freedom, if you really believe in the Constitution, this should be just as important a day as the Fourth of July.”
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Charmaine Huddleston emphasized the awareness these events bring to the theme and how they can further teach future generations the meaning of the holiday.
Huddleston said the meaning and awareness of Juneteenth will also extend into August when Springfield residents gather for a Park Day Reunion at Silver Springs Park, the city’s only public park designated for black residents and sports leagues during segregation, according to the Springfield-Greene County Parks Commission. This year’s Park Day Reunion will run from Aug. 2-4.
Marta Mieze covers local government for the News-Leader. If you have feedback, tips or story ideas, please contact her at mmieze@news-leader.com.
