Photos and Story by Larry Oskin, SOUTH LAKE TABLET
Clermont celebrated Juneteenth on Saturday, June 18 at Waterfront Park with cultural foods, activities, music, art, and dance.
Juneteenth was declared a national holiday in 2021 by President Biden. It stems from the delayed freedom – by more than two years – for more than 200,000 slaves in Galveston, Texas after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed in 1863 by President Lincoln.
The focus on the day’s festivities began at 4 p.m. when Clermont Mayor Tim Murry delivered the Juneteenth Address. He spoke on the history of Juneteenth, emphasizing that the National Holiday represents Freedom For All Americans. He noted, “The more we learn about the history of Juneteenth and the facts surrounding that date, the more I believe we learn it is not a Black holiday, but rather an American celebration of freedom.” He mentioned how difficult it is to plan and organize a new event and thanked Maritza Rivera and the staff for taking on the task.
Vendors were on hand, and a representative from the Lake County Supervisor of Elections office thoughtfully remarked, “An event that celebrates the freedom we all enjoy seems like the perfect place to encourage residents to vote.” Lake County residents were able to register to vote with a current Florida driver’s license, state identification card or by using the last four digits of their social security number.
The Equity Council provided collaboration on the event. New Jacob’s Chapel, Hyundai of Central Florida, Cano Health and Care Plus Health Plan assisted in sponsoring this new event. Admission was free.
Clermont held a great event and one that hopefully will continue for many years.
