Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, marks the abolition of slavery in Galveston, Texas in 1865. For African-Americans in the United States, it is a summer-time celebration of heritage, a time to reflect on the evils of slavery and their historic struggle to win human and civil rights.
The local Juneteenth Celebration committee held its first event on June 10, 2000 in the backyard of Bethel AME Church. It was the first public celebration in Williamsport.
Conni Robinson is the executive producer of the Juneteenth Celebration event for Northern Pennsylvania. She has been planning and preparing for months and with help from grants, private donations, as well as volunteer labor.
Conni Robinson, Association Administrator
A graduate of San Francisco State with a Bachelor of Arts degree in theater, Robinson said her goal is to emphasize the fine arts, so the Juneteenth event will feature a youth art exhibit, music and dance, stage entertainment, vendors, and will be fun for families. It will include clowns, pony rides and a petting zoo.
Robinson, administrator of the northern Pennsylvania-based Juneteenth Celebration Association, said the organization, which started at Bethel AME Church, has obtained non-profit status in 2008. As a 501(c)(3) it is seeking donations and event volunteers.
“We’re our own organization now, with an advisory board. It’s doing good work in the community,” she said, “with regard to youth mentoring and fine arts training.”
At this point, the Juneteenth board (Robinson included) and workers are all volunteers. The event money raised goes to musicians and speakers for their travel and lodging and negotiated talent fees.
Robinson said, “Some local musicians do not want any money but we like to give them something, even if it’s small. There are also clowns, contractors, amusement rentals, tent rentals, etc., to be paid. If anyone on staff is paid that will be in the future — depending on what is fiscally prudent. There may be some reimbursement after the bills get paid for personal expenses, but not always.”
There are many volunteers who have used their money, time and talent to support the event and workshops, Robinson said. “Richard Karp (who is providing free photography and money) and Johnny Blair (who provides musical talent, talent scouting, marketing expertise and money) are advisory board members. I do some of all of it, not photography, but I keep the board in the loop and listen to their advice. The grant writing and books are my responsibility, as well as designing the venue, getting vendors, booking groups and speakers, working the community service projects and getting donations,” she added.
“We are always seeking new sponsors and vendors. We have several sponsors for product and money, including Lycoming College, who provides tables and chairs at the park, Wal-Mart, PCA, Wegman’s, Bon Ton, the local Art’s Council, Russ and Marie Reitz’ Gracious Meadows Farms, and Dr. Mamie Diggs’ Underground Railroad Exhibit. Lamar Advertising has sponsored with billboards.”
More information is available by calling 570 419-2502.
Mission Statement
Juneteenth Celebration in Williamsport, PA, is a tool to educate and motivate our community and fellow Pennsylvanians via the performing, fine and literary arts about our local and American heritage as we celebrate emancipation in America. Our aim is to promote cultural and ethnic harmony, provide public service and revive an appreciation of African American history.