Fields Corner friends Joel Richards and Jasen Lambright. Seth Daniel photo
Residents from Dorchester and beyond gathered in Town Field on a gorgeous Friday (June 19) to celebrate the sixth annual Juneteenth federal holiday.
Founded by community advocate Joel Richards, the annual celebration brings together families, youth, local organizations, faith communities, and neighborhood leaders to commemorate June 19, 1865, the day that Union troops freed enslaved African Americans in Galveston Bay and across Texas some two and a half years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation.
Dominick Harris made some amazing bubble on Town Field for Juneteenth. Seth Daniel photo
With many young people out of school for the holiday, organizers watched as many families took advantage of the opportunity to gather in the park.
“This event has become one of the highlights of my family’s year,” said Richards. “Every year, we witness neighbors becoming friends, children creating lasting memories, and people from all backgrounds coming together to celebrate our shared history and collective future.
“Juneteenth is not only a celebration of freedom, but also a reminder of the responsibility we have to build stronger communities for the next generation.”
In addition, this year, attendees were able to relax in the park and watch as an unofficial viewing party the World Cup match between the USA and Australia.
Over the past six years, the Dorchester Juneteenth Celebration has grown from a small BBQ in the park into a beloved community tradition.
Seth Daniel photos
Asa Skinner, Shevon Skinner, Cassia Dockery, Shekeima Dockery, Vinnesse Dockery, Russ Weiss-Irwin Langston Weiss-Dockery, and Zora Weiss-Dockery posed with organizer Joel Richards as they arrive at Dorchester Juneteenth.
Vanessa Dobson, Jasely Costa-Dobson, and Kimberly Dobson.
Ian Gonzalez had an amazing time playing with the air ball game – one of several STEM-based games provided by Terry Murray of Inventor Mentor.
Savannah Cardoso blasted off a water bottle and got everyone wet in the process.
Joel Richards, Jr. celebrated his birthday on Juneteenth with the bubble machine.
Twins Kaisaac and Kasai Alteor were absolutely enthralled with the bubble wands on Town Field last Friday during Dorchester Juneteenth.
