Black Unity Resounds At Juneteenth
Participants, Guests Enjoy District Heights’ Juneteenth Freedom Walk & Festival
Story and photos by N’tuma Kamara
Lively energy graced the Athletic Republic Parking lot at Marlboro Pike as a procession of dignitaries, residents, and members of black-led organizations began the mile freedom walk to the municipal building on June 19.
The procession was a proud display of Black History from beginning to end.
Following the lights of a District Heights police car, youth from the Oxon Hill Young Marines marched to the "left" and "right" chants of the cadence caller. Behind them, band students from Charles Herbert Flowers High School skillfully played energetic music deeply rooted in black culture. Drums, flutes, cymbals, and trombones proclaimed freedom, liberty, and progress while students proudly chanted their alma mater, “Jaguars!” Charles Herbert Flowers dance students flawlessly moved through the line, some waving their school's green and white colors.
Jump DC, a black and woman-owned organization, lent the double-dutch skills of its girls, who performed the sport fluidly with coordination and teamwork. Further back, members of the Buffalo soldiers, attired in navy blue uniform coats and wool felt hats, rode on horses.
Participants maintained composure through the mile-long walk despite the scorching midmorning heat. Then, finally, green, yellow, red, and black.
At the Municipal Building, balloon arches in Pan-African flag colors lined the entrance to the field as the procession moved through the colorful gateway.
Frankie, an attendee, said of her time at the festival, "This is a nice inaugural event with history, lessons, love; a lot of energy, anticipation, and vibing. I can't wait to see what's next." When asked about her most memorable experience, she stated, "visiting each of the vendors."
All around the field, vendors showcased their crafts. A sign explained the ties of each artistry to Black history.
Among the many performances, the Capoeira Malês performed Afro-Brazilian martial arts, combining the elements of dance, acrobatics and music. Sixteen-year-old poet Saniya Pearson recited two poems, "Outsider," which she penned after watching the movie Origin, directed by Ava DuVernay, and "Trauma."
Asked about her most memorable Juneteenth experience, Pearson said: "I think here has been the most incredible experience so far, District Heights; just the overall sense of community I feel coming into this space. You look around; you see images of yourself; people like you who are growing up celebrating with you; it builds a sense of community, especially at a time when sometimes you feel separated or isolated."
