SC4 to hold annual Juneteenth celebration

St. Clair County Community College will be hosting a Juneteenth celebration for a third year.

The celebration, titled "A Taste of Heritage, Freedom, and Unity," will be held from noon to 4 p.m. on June 19 on the SC4 campus. The event will be honoring African American contributions to the nations culinary culture, while also celebrating the spirit of freedom and unity.

African Americans have shaped the country's food for over 400 years through their skill, creativity and entrepreneurship. There will be a live-tasting exhibit that showcases this culinary culture.

Jessica Brown, SC4's chief DEI officer, said Juneteenth is a celebration of progress, despite the most painful parts of history. She said there is more work to be done and that SC4 wants everyone to join in the celebration.

"We are better together and honor our ancestors, which paved the way for me to celebrate this day," Brown said. "We want meaningful action and support to empower our community to stand in unison, which is something we all want to overcome."

There will be a variety of things happening at the Juneteenth celebration. The free live-tasting exhibit will showcase the history of the African American cuisine, tracing its culinary journey from Africa to Jamaica. There will be cultural showcases including live music, dancing and live storytelling from local activists, musicians and dancers.

Attendees can also enjoy signature drinks and cuisine from local and neighboring community restaurants, including Chef Chris Catering, Elle Symone Catering and Events, Daylicious Drinks and Treats, Jamaican Jerk, Southside Sweets, Yum Village and Baobab Fare.

Alphonso Amos of AAmos Consulting said Juneteenth is more than a day of celebration; it is a testament to the enduring strength and resilience of the African American spirit. He said June 19 marks the moment when freedom was proclaimed in Texas two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation. He said it's a time to reflect on the struggles and triumphs of ancestors who sought to reunite families, build community and reshape the nation.

"Juneteenth is our second Independence Day, a day to remember that the journey to justice and equality continues," Amos said. "When we celebrate, we gather in unity and hope as we carry forward the legacy of those who never gave up, embracing our past and forging a future where freedom truly rings for all."

The SC4 Juneteenth celebration is in partnership with the college, Port Huron Branch NAACP, St. Clair County Organizing for Regional Equity, Port Huron Museums, The City of Port Huron and Black Lives Matter Port Huron, the International Council of Community Churches, the Diversity Initiative of St. Clair County and AAmos Consulting Group.

Contact McKenna Golat at mgolat@gannett.com.

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