Park Cities families enjoyed barbecue, bounce house fun, and games at Williams Park on June 20 during a joyful celebration of Juneteenth, the day that commemorates the end of slavery in the United States.
At its heart, the second annual event from Black Families of Park Cities was about strengthening community, explained Jeddy Odera Simiyu.
“We truly believe that strong communities are built through meaningful relationships, shared experiences and opportunities to learn from one another,” she said. “Because of this, we connect families, strengthen our neighborhoods and create spaces where everyone feels welcome.”
Guests learned about the holiday’s history while they sampled treats that ranged from cookout staples such as hot dogs, grilled chicken, and watermelon to less-conventional macarons, doughnuts, and charcuterie.
Avery-Harper Hill, an incoming eighth grader at Highland Park Middle School, and J Brumit, who will start fifth grade at McCulloch Intermediate School in the fall, explained some of the day’s history to the crowd.
The Emancipation Proclamation declared that all enslaved people in Confederate states were free on January 1, 1863. But it took two-and-a-half years for freedom to reach enslaved Texans, Brumit said. Juneteenth is observed on June 19, 1865, when Union troops arrived in Galveston to enforce the Emancipation Proclamation, Hill continued.
Signs placed around the park told visitors more about the story of Juneteenth and shared inspirational quotes from African American leaders.
“To bring about change, you must not be afraid to take the first step. We will fail when we fail to try,” stated one quotation from civil rights activist Rosa Parks. “I want you to understand that your first duty is to humanity,” read a quotation from businesswoman and philanthropist Madam C.J. Walker. “I want others to look at us and see that we care not just about ourselves but about others.”
Guests at the event said that Black Families of Park Cities, which Simiyu founded several years ago, has brought families together to connect with and support each other.
“I like how we come together as a community in the Park Cities and embrace the diversity that’s in the community and in the area,” said Kristen Buckhanan, who is in her third year of membership in the group. “Although we live in different parts of the Park Cities, we’re still united.”
Buckhanan brought her daughter, Amaiyah Britton, to the celebration. “I love being here with my friends,” said Britton, an incoming fourth grader at Bradfield Elementary School. She added that she especially enjoyed doing tricks in the bounce house.
Since its creation, Black Families of Park Cities has grown to include programs that support local businesses and bring people together, such as book clubs, community gatherings, health first talks, and conversations with law enforcement. Simiyu said that she would like to expand the group to include members from Preston Hollow as well.
“All of this is to provide a better life for our kids, to make sure they have the foundation that they need to feel supported,” said Tommy Hill, whose wife, Star, led efforts to organize the Juneteenth Celebration. “At the end of the day, it ends up being about them. But in the process, what’s been so beautiful about this is that we’ve all created a family.”
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