Washington’s Juneteenth celebration draws community, inspires youth

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Synergy Performing Arts Academy in Canonsburg performed at the NAACP Washington and LeMoyne Community Center’s Juneteenth celebration at LeMoyne Community Center in Washington on Saturday.

Karen Mansfield/Observer-Reporter

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Washington Mayor JoJo Burgess served as co-grand marshal of the NAACP Washington’s and LeMoyne Community Center’s Juneteenth Parade on Saturday.

Karen Mansfield/Observer-Reporter

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Washington Jazz Ensemble was among the performers at the NAACP Washington/LeMoyne Community Center Juneteenth celebration at LeMoyne Community Center on Saturday.

Karen Mansfield/Observer-Reporter

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The Juneteenth celebration at LeMoyne Community Center in Washington drew crowds who were treated to several activities and events, including musical performances, games, face painting, a three-point contest, food, and giveaways.

Karen Mansfield/Observer-Reporter

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The Juneteenth celebration, co-hosted by LeMoyne Community Center and NAACP Washington branch, included several vendors. Here, artist Gwen Healy displays her artwork.

Karen Mansfield/Observer-Reporter

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DJ Stuart “Bump” Johnson of Uniontown performed at the Juneteenth celebration. The Washington native also provided his food truck, Gyros, Hoagies & Pierogies.

Courtesy of NAACP Washington

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Wash High teacher Treg Campbell reads a Juneteenth book to children during Saturday’s celebration at LeMoyne Community Center.

Courtesy of NAACP Washington

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Members of the Washington community gathered Saturday to celebrate Juneteenth at LeMoyne Community Center in Washington.

The celebration, co-hosted by the NAACP Washington branch and LeMoyne Community Center, featured performances, speakers, vendors, activities, and a variety of foods.

The day kicked off with a Juneteenth Parade, led by grand marshals JoJo Burgess and Demond Nixon, mayors of Washington and East Washington.

Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, commemorates June 19, 1865 – more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation – when Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, to enforce the proclamation that put an end to slavery.

“It was an overwhelming success. I can’t be happier or more proud of our residents coming together and having a wonderful event,” said Burgess. “There was a lot of hard work put into by (Juneteenth chairman) Steve Woods, who did whatever was necessary for the community to have a tremendous event.”

The Juneteenth celebration also included a three-point contest, African drums and history, Zumba and line dancing, and performances by Peters Township Dance Team, One Up Band, Ministry in Motion, and a magic show.