By CW, The Freelancer
The Fourth District Seniors Resource Center’s 19th Annual Juneteenth Information and Resource Fair brought a vibrant mix of celebration and education to the George L. Stevens Senior Community Center on Thursday. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., the space at 570 S. 65th Street was alive with music, culture, and a strong sense of community.
This year’s event invited guests to come dressed in either Western or traditional African attire. Many did both. Colorful prints mixed with cowboy boots, and the energy was as bright as the outfits. Tables lined the venue with free health screenings, blood pressure checks, and wellness resources from local health partners. Attendees browsed information on senior services, legal aid, housing, and veteran support.
The heart of the afternoon was the performance of Mother Wit, a short play written by Adena Varner, Director of Arts Engagement at The Old Globe. The piece blended humor, storytelling, and wisdom passed down through generations, earning laughs and knowing nods from the crowd.
Live music kept the atmosphere joyful, with performances that had folks dancing in their seats or on their feet. Seniors and families alike enjoyed soulful tunes, shared stories, and a meal that felt more like a family reunion than a public event.
“It’s not just a party,” said Johnson, an 82-year-old longtime community member. “Juneteenth is a time to reflect on where we’ve been and how far we’ve come. Our ancestors didn’t get the news of their freedom right away. That delay meant something, and we remember that.”
For Johnson, the day is both a celebration and a responsibility. “We owe it to the next generation to keep telling the truth, and to do it with joy.” That’s what today was.
Juneteenth, which marks the day in 1865 when enslaved African Americans in Texas learned of their freedom two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation, has become a national holiday and a symbol of resilience. Events like this one serve as reminders of the importance of remembrance, community, and continuing the push for equity.
As the celebration ends and the stories linger, one question stays with us: how can we honor the struggle and the strength of those who came before us in the way we choose to live today?
