Revamped Juneteenth
This year’s event in Ocala will focus on health, fitness, culture, beauty, nutrition and more.
Sharington Houston and Meisha Barnard dance during a previous Juneteenth event. This year, the Ocala Juneteenth Celebration Commission, of which Houston is president, will offer some new programs on June 20 at the Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette file photo]
The Ocala Juneteenth Celebration Commission will offer a new series of events in honor of Juneteenth this year in Ocala.
Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. The commission previously has hosted events at locations including Webb Field at the Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Complex in west Ocala.
This year, in partnership with Freedom Locs, the Juneteenth programs on June 20 will include components related to health, fitness, culture, beauty, nutrition and more. They will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place.
To learn more, the “Gazette” did a Q&A with commission president Sharington L. Houston.
This is a different format than in years past. What prompted this approach?
As a commission we did not want to continue to celebrate in a way that is redundant or repetitious. The Ocala Juneteenth Celebration Commission is striving to reach the community in different ways, provide educational opportunities on different needs that are not being addressed and continue to provide scholarships to graduating seniors.
How many vendors will you have?
We are looking to fill at least 40 spots
Is the event free to attend or are there charges for certain activities?
The first portion, a nutritional seminar with licensed dietician Latoria Bryant speaking on the benefits of healthier eating and a workout session with Clint Hart, are free to the public and will run from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 for the Fashion Show/Hair Product Lunch that will begin at 3 p.m.
Will there be food/beverages available for purchase?
Yes, some vendors will be selling premade items.
Please share anything else you think readers might want to know.
While this year’s celebration looks a little different than previous years, the committee as a whole is focusing on investing in your health from the inside out. We are still partnering with the city of Ocala and other organizations throughout the community.
The community center is located at 1821 NW 21st Ave., Ocala.
To learn more, email [email protected] or call (352) 433-9199.
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