Coming Together for Historic Juneteenth Celebration

The Collaboration, led by Willie Miller, captivated attendees with classic Motown tunes. STEPHEN MITSKAVICH / BABCOCK RANCH TELEGRAPH

Founder’s Square took on a hometown street festival vibe on Friday, June 21, with Babcock Ranch’s first Juneteenth celebration. This year, the celebration coincided with the Summer Solstice and the first official day of summer.

Hosted by the Babcock Ranch Residential Association (BRRA), it included participation by several groups, including the Charlotte County NAACP chapter and the Embracing Diversity at Babcock Ranch organization. The event drew numerous residents along with visitors from Charlotte and Lee counties.

Babcock Ranch was recognized by Charlotte County officials with a proclamation from the Punta Gorda City Council signed by Punta Gorda Mayor Lynne R. Matthews and Clerk Sara Welch. Proudly displayed at the event, the document explained that the US Emancipation Proclamation issued on Jan. 1, 1863, declared “all persons held as slaves within any state or designated part of a state… shall be forever free.”

The Punta Gorda Mayor’s proclamation further explained that more than two years passed before the state of Texas heard about it, resulting in continued slavery for more than 250,000 African Americans until June 19, 1865. That date has been celebrated by the African American community as a second independence day and one that should be acknowledged.

Founder’s Square was bustling with activity during Babcock Ranch’s first Juneteenth celebration, coinciding with the Summer Solstice and the first official day of summer. STEPHEN MITSKAVICH / BABCOCK RANCH TELEGRAPH

“Juneteenth is always a time of joy, laugh- ter and a time to celebrate with friends,” said Connie Payne, president of the Charlotte County NAACP chapter and a resident of Punta Gorda. “It marks a pivotal time in history, and we have always celebrated it. It’s great that Babcock Ranch is holding this event to share our joy and our culture with the community.”

The event included free activities and items, such as Juneteenth-themed slap bracelets, rubber stretch bracelets, temporary tattoos and a make-your-own jewelry station with brightly colored and lettered beads and cords. You could spin a wheel and win prizes such as an ice cream treat, candy, a drawstring bag and even a free Babcock Ranch Parks and Recreation membership for discounted classes and events and open gym time at the Field House.

RIGHT: Embracing Cultural Diversity group. Left to right: Althea Francis, David Calderwood, Gerri Wright-Gibson and Andrea Boone.

The Pretty Peacock Mobile Boutique was onsite with a selection of fun party and clubbing clothes to look your finest from head to toe, including shoes, handbags and hats. The boutique offered a private dressing room to try on the fashions. Proprietor Sade Simmons was on hand to assist shoppers. “We bring fashion trends to your doorstep with real clothes for real people,” she explained.

The Nile Heritage Foundation booth offered beaded jewelry and crafted items with hand-made paper beads and beads made from seeds, along with hand drums and décor items made in Uganda. The sale proceeds benefit a project to build a school for Ugandan children. Babcock Ranch residents Susan Ogwal-Pittman and Baxter Pittman operate the foundation.

The sultry summer evening hit all the right notes with classic Motown-style music performed by the group Collaboration. The group played soulful rhythm and blues classics that drew attendees to the dance floor throughout the event. Led by Willie Miller, the group includes professional musicians and Verceal Whitaker, who has performed as a lead singer with The Platters.

FAR RIGHT: Artist Brian Weaver live painted “Love is Love” during the event.

Fans of the band, Taylor Stokes and Glee Mangiamele of Fort Myers, placed their chairs in the shade of the bandstand to enjoy the music. “We were looking for a Juneteenth celebration, and we found it here. It’s our first time at Babcock Ranch, but it’s nice. We’ll be back,” Stokes said.

Also, keeping it cool, new Babcock Ranch residents John and Jessie Rodriguez enjoyed a dish of ice cream while listening to the music. “We just moved here three weeks ago from Ohio to be near our son, who also lives here,” Jessie said. “Everyone is so friendly. We are enjoying it.”

Diverse cross-cultural food trucks served up hot plates of barbecue meats with mac and cheese, Asian fare and classic American burgers. The folks from Slater’s Goods and Provisions had various beverages to quench your thirst and whet your appetite.

John and Jessie Rodriguez

Babcock Ranch residents and Southern Smoked food truck operators Tyrell and Leslie Jones served smoked chicken and pork dinners with sides of mac and cheese, green beans and potato salad. When asked about their Juneteenth traditions, Tyrell said food, specifically barbecued food, topped his list. “Food, music and friends,” he added.

In wrapping up the evening, Fort Myers mural artist Brian Weaver created an original acrylic painting at the event, with two hands joining, one light-skinned and one dark-skinned. He titled it “Love Is Love.”

“This is great,” he said. “Everyone is coming together from their different backgrounds and enjoying the holiday in this beautiful space called Babcock Ranch.”

Glee Mangiamele and Taylor Stokes

Nile Heritage Foundation. Left to right: Quieda Joseph, Susan Ogwal-Pittman and Baxter Pittman.

Taterz food truck. STEPHEN MITSKAVICH / BABCOCK RANCH TELEGRAPH

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