Juneteenth Celebration in Albion: A Day to Remember
On Saturday, June 15, Albion celebrated Juneteenth, a pivotal day in American history known as “Freedom Day,” commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. The event took place at Holland Park, beginning at 11:00 AM in the Dr. Harry Bonner Pavilion.
The day was filled with activities promoting community, education, and entertainment. Attendees enjoyed performances by Jeff Thomas and Air Tight, and participated in a variety of games including 3 on 3 basketball, bounce house, pickleball, table tennis, horseshoes, and face painting.
Juneteenth holds special significance for Albion, a town that saw a significant influx of Black workers during World War I. With a shortage of immigrant labor, many Black individuals migrated to Albion for employment opportunities, making it a historically important community for African Americans.
The celebration continued at 4:00 PM with more games, leading up to the much-anticipated Gospel Fest featuring Brother Ronnie Sims and Pastor Dwight Amos from 5:00 to 7:00 PM. The event also included booths from the Calhoun County Health Department, food vendors, and the Albion Fire Department, making it a comprehensive celebration of freedom, community, and heritage.
This Juneteenth celebration in Albion was a meaningful tribute to the town’s history and the enduring spirit of freedom and equality.
