John Queen sees Juneteenth as a way to look ahead, not behind

CHESTERTOWN — The Heroes of the Chesapeake Juneteenth celebration has become an annual celebration of African American history, culture, and entertainment hosted and organized by the Bayside H.O.Y.A.S., Inc.

The two-day celebration begins on Friday, June 14 at 5:00 p.m. and continues Saturday, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the heart of Chestertown at Fountain Park.

John Queen, President of the Bayside HOYAS (Helping Our Youth Achieve Success) explained with this year’s theme, Heroes of the Chesapeake, they will illuminate the role and contributions of African Americans on the Eastern Shore.

It’s also a way we can start interlocking the H.O.Y.A.S. annual events,” Queen said, referring to Juneteenth and the Frederick Douglas Day event hosted by the H.OY.A.S.; all celebrations held in Chestertown.

And business-wise, Queen said, it makes sense as well.

As he did at the earlier annual Bayside H.O.Y.A.S. Frederick Douglass “Day of Acknowledgment” event at Washington College Feb 10., abolitionist Frederick Douglass portrayed by actor and poet Nathan Richardson will step out of the past to perform as the headlining act at this years “Heroes of the Chesapeake” celebration.

Richardson as Douglass moved the crowd then with his riveting performance right down to his confident stride across the stage with his cane while seamlessly fielding impromptu questions from the audience.

Queen sees how Chestertown, and Kent County in general, embrace the colonial garb and traditions in their festivals, like the Dickens festival around Christmas and the Chestertown Tea Party.

In both events it’s not uncommon to see powdered wigs, buckle shoes and bonnets.

So, he’s hoping by adding Richardson, it provides this historical element the people are accustomed to.

“As an organization we’re also thinking about how we can capitalize on the flow of tourism,” Queen added.

Performers like Nathan Richardson are entertainers Queen wants to introduce more going forward. In the future they will introduce actors and actresses portraying Harriet Tubman, Henry Highland Garnet, and many more he said.

Queen said, “I’m proud our events don’t emphasize the negative aspects of Black history either," Queen said, “It’s not having a victim mentality. It’s a way to look ahead, to move into the future and embrace positive achievements in African American culture. And to ask ourselves how we can bring sustainable equity to the table for the African American community.”

Good music, good food and good entertainment is what’s to be expected, Queen remarked.

Juneteenth kicks off with a Block Party on High Street at Fountain Park Friday. Best Kept Soul will perform followed by the performance from Richardson/Douglass, and the return of Best Kept Soul to the stage. The Block Party will also include a game truck, food vendors, giveaways and more

On Saturday, a Bingo Disco and brunch takes place (RSVP only).

Then the Sombarkin’ Band will play, Richardson is scheduled to perform again, followed by the dance styling of Bento Owino, singer Yvette Hynson and finally Richardson will close the festival.

Come on out,” Queen encouraged. “We got something for everybody in the community. It’s going to be a good time.”

The Heroes of the Chesapeake event is sponsored by the Black Union of Kent County, the Peoples Bank, Chesapeake Bank and Trust and Stories of the Chesapeake Heritage Area To learn more about the Bayside H.O.Y.A.S., Inc., organization, annual events and programs visit baysidehoyas.org.