Juneteenth in Caroline celebration draws a crowd

People from Caroline County and beyond flocked to the 2024 Juneteenth in Caroline celebration held on June 15 on the front lawn of Mt. Pleasant Acres Farms in Preston.

The farm’s owners, Paulette Greene and Donna Dear, opened the event with a warm welcome. With a rich history including Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad, Mt. Pleasant Acres was the perfect venue for this jubilant day, event organizers said.

It was a day of bringing the community together to learn about and celebrate the rich African American history in Caroline County and to discuss the ongoing civil rights challenges for the Black community.

The event was hosted by the Cousins Cuttin’ Up duo, Ty Bolden and Capri Lee. Included in the day’s events was an opening libation ceremony by Renna McKinney. Levita Mondie spoke about the history and symbolism of the Juneteenth flag.

Afterwards, people created their own Juneteenth flag under Mondie’s guidance at the Caroline County Council of Arts booth. Belin sisters Cheryl and Kim of the Belin Family Singers sang some traditional gospel and freedom songs, with the audience joining in.

Preston Mayor Savannah Winston moderated a discussion panel of five women: Patricia Lewis, Robin Caudell, Roberta Butler, Rebecca Hackett and Paulette Greene. Each woman shared personal stories and historical knowledge of the African American experience on the Eastern Shore.

Michelle Boulden-Hammond closed the day with a “Sound Vibrations for Freedom” ceremony.

Over 20 vendors shared a wide range of information. Sno Angels and the Jonestown Community Development Foundation’s food booths experienced constant lines.

DNR ranger Francis Smith provided farm tours, including a visit to the Witness Tree. The Witness Tree is a tulip poplar tree that is over 200 years old and was a meeting sight for people escaping north on the Underground Railroad.

“The Juneteenth Planning Committee would like to thank the following sponsors for helping to make this event a success: Mt. Pleasant Acres Farms, Caroline County Council of Arts, Caroline County Public Library, Minary’s Dream Alliance, Transpire Wellness, Preston Automotive Group, Cars-R-Us, VanTech Business Solutions — Preston OfficePlex, Williams Bodywork LLC, PepUp, Summit Community Bank, Shore United Bank, Debby Bennett and David Sutton, Sue and Jon Simmons, and Best Western Denton Inn,” read a press release about the event.