Liberation is Love: Celebrating Juneteenth

“Juneteenth is a time to celebrate freedom—both its promise and the enduring legacy of those who valiantly sought to realize it. As we look to this form of living history, this now-federal holiday reminds us of the joy and struggle of the past as well as the possibilities of the future.” -Kevin Young, Director, National Museum of African American History and Culture

A little rain couldn’t stop us! The smells of great food, the sounds of uplifting performances, and the feeling of liberation were ever-present as youth, staff, and friends gathered at The Bridge for Youth’s fourth annual commUNITY Juneteenth Celebration on June 11th.

Gathering in commUNITY, this annual tradition is a demonstration of our deepest values. Long before Juneteenth was established as a federal holiday in 2021, The Bridge for Youth has believed that liberation is love. Celebrating Black joy, sharing stories, and uplifting our community help to create a space where all youth feel safe, accepted, and supported.

Live music from Brass Solidarity kicked us off and set the tone for the evening. Founded in 2021 in response to the murder of George Floyd and the ongoing fight in the movement for Black lives, this lively band filled our courtyard with power and energy. Among the players was Bridge for Youth team member Sharon, who was overjoyed to share her talents with the youth she works with (pictured second to the right playing the tuba).

Young actors from Rose McGee’s Sweet Potato Comfort Pie organization took the stage to perform powerful scenes from their upcoming play, Kumbayah: The Juneteenth Story. Afterwards, performers got the crowd on their feet with a group line dancing lesson.

Later, a friend of The Bridge, Brother Ghana, returned to our space to unify everyone in an African drumming and storytelling circle.

Throughout the celebration, attendees enjoyed unique treats from the Donut Trap, a great meal from The Wholesoul Eatery food truck, games and trivia from our friends at Medica and Xcel Energy, a photobooth from Sunrise Banks, along with face painters and airbrush artists.

It was an excellent night of commUNITY empowerment that also reminded us of the importance of celebrating Juneteenth.

Considering the enduring legacy of Juneteenth and those who sought to realize it, it is vital to our commUNITY that we deliberately celebrate with thought and intentionality. It is critical for those of us within the community who can breathe to breathe love, life, vitality, and remembrance into those who are being choked by the evils of white supremacy.

As the night concluded, with everyone full of joy and comfort, it became clear that we all do better when we all do better. From all of us at The Bridge for Youth – Happy Juneteenth!