A popular community event that marks a federal holiday celebrating freedom is coming to a new venue this month: Waveny Park.
Every year, local nonprofit organization Stand Together Against Racism hosts a picnic to celebrate Juneteenth.
“Juneteenth signifies the Declaration of Emancipation for African-Americans,” S.T.A.R. founder Fatou Niang said. “For some, it is considered the second real independence day, because that was the moment that marked the freedom for all Americans, including the black population.”
To be held 3 to 7 p.m. on Friday, June 19 on Waveny’s main lawn, this year’s Juneteenth includes several special features, she said.
“Every year, we celebrate with a picnic-style event that is free to all family members and community members, and out-of-towners are also welcome,” she said. “We always have a band and educational quarters with book activities.”
The goal of the celebration is to “expand the knowledge of Juneteenth because it’s an important point in American history,” Niang said.
This year’s event has been moved from its location in summers past, which was the New Canaan Museum & Historical Society.
“School is finishing later than usual, which means a lot more families will be in town and we’re expecting a bigger crowd,” Niang said. “And also, for parking, it’s easier, and will be more convenient for us to be able to welcome our people.”
This year’s celebration is extra special in that it coincides with the nation’s 250th anniversary, Niang said.
“Every year, we get to not only unite residents, but we also get out-of-towners that travel all the way down from New Haven, Bridgeport, Stamford, Darien and Greenwich, to come to New Canaan and celebrate with us,” she said.
The event isn’t just “one minority versus the other,” Niang said.
“It’s a multicultural attendance, and a very inclusive and welcoming event,” she said.
“If you never had an opportunity to be part of our celebration, it’s your first chance to do it and come celebrate America’s 250th with us, while celebrating Juneteenth also,” she said.