This Wednesday, June 19, Ottumwa will have its annual Juneteenth celebration.
Rachelle Chase, a local author, and Pastor Diane Krueger are the organizers and talked about the event. Krueger says the entire community is invited.
“We wanted to point out that Juneteenth is a celebration for everyone, that’s why the theme is unity in the community. This is not just a black celebration, it’s a celebration for everyone and we want everyone to come” Pastor Diane Krueger, Ottumwa Juneteenth Celebration Organizer
The event will start at 12pm at Railroad Park, at the intersection of Highway U.S. 34 and U.S. 63. Juneteenth is a celebration of June 19, 1865, when African-American slaves in Texas were told they were free, two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. Months after, Confederate General Robert E. Lee had surrendered. In 1997, the official flag recognizing Juneteenth was created. Krueger and Chase organized the event to include history throughout the day.
“We want to integrate Ottumwa’s history, because there’s a lot of history here that people don’t know about, and I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised because we’re not covering just everything that everybody has heard before, we’re covering things you may not have known have happened.” Rachelle Chase, Author, Ottumwa Juneteenth Celebration Organizer
Krueger and Chase have prepared many activities and would like to thank all of the sponsors and vendors. The activities prepared include: African Dancers, the Ottumwa Community Choir, the Buxton puppet theater, exhibitors, double dutch jumping rope contest, bounce houses, zumba, food and drink vendors, and a River Roots concert to end the day, and more. Their goal is to unite the community with activities that everyone can enjoy.
”The history of things that people share in the community that’s fun, that’s moving, that’s healthy, just excitement. . .Growing the community is all about volunteers. It’s about unity in the community.” Pastor Diane Krueger, Ottumwa Juneteenth Celebration Organizer
This year five individuals have arranged their schedules to make this event possible. Chase and Krueger would appreciate the support of more volunteers throughout the day.
For more information and updates visit the Ottumwa’s Juneteenth Celebration Facebook page.
