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Photos: Community gathers to celebrate freedom in recognition of Juneteenth

By Howard B. Owens
batavia juneteenth 2024

A Juneteenth Celebration was held in Williams Park on Saturday afternoon.

The event included food, live music, and vendor booths.

It was organized by Just Kings, a Batavia-based community group.

Juneteenth falls on Wednesday this year. On June 19, 1865, the last slaves still being held in bondage in Texas were freed, bringing to an end an ugly chapter of United States history.

Photos by Howard Owens.

batavia juneteenth 2024
batavia juneteenth 2024
Jhensy Etienme displays a guitar-inspired purse on sale on Saturday in her vendor booth at the Juneteenth celebration in Williams Park. Etienme started her business, Unique Haitian Vybez, about a month ago. Born in Haiti, Etienme was raised in Batavia. She sells, like the business name suggests, unique items made in Haiti, such as jewelry and accessories.  She is also planning on a booth at the Genesee County Fair in July.
batavia juneteenth 2024
juneteenth
Batavia PD officers were on hand for the event with a patrol car on display, which 2-year-old King James thoroughly enjoyed.
batavia juneteenth 2024
Terry Smith
batavia juneteenth 2024
NYS Attorney General Letitia James speaks with a group of local Democrats.
batavia juneteenth 2024
batavia juneteenth 2024
UK Tra
batavia juneteenth 2024
batavia juneteenth 2024
batavia juneteenth 2024

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