Originally published in the Daily Local.

WEST CHESTER—A couple dozen Black small business owners and community organizations, along with several speakers, celebrated Saturday’s second annual Juneteenth Festival at the Charles A. Melton Arts and Education Center.

Edwina Johns, with the United Way of Chester County, said the event was a day of education.

“We can make sure we can build a better future,” she said.

With 1.7 eligible unregistered citizens in the state, Kadidia Kenner, executive director of the year-old New Pennsylvania Project, is working to energize people to vote, register and engage.

“Juneteenth is a day of freedom so we can maintain and expand our freedoms,” she said.

U.S. Rep. Chrissy Houlahan told the festivalgoers that the day is a celebration of freedom.

Juneteenth recognizes the day that Texas slaves learned they were free. The June 19 holiday celebrates the emancipation of slaves.  After two years, in 1865, Texas slaves learned of the 1862 Emancipation Proclamation

Kelsey Houdeshel, with the Chester County Intermediate Unit said that the organization helps children from 0-t o 5- years old, while assisting homeless and foster children. She can be reached at KelseyH@cciu.org

Andi Hubbard, with GunSenseUs was handing out free gunlocks.

“Far too many people are being shot,” she said. “If it’s a person with a gun that’s a danger.

“Some people shouldn’t have guns.”

Rev. John Jackson Jr., is at St.  Paul’s Baptist Church and under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Wayne Crofts Sr., said that while the pandemic shut down programs, the church is still fostering community outreach.

“We are open,” he said.

Deacon Michael Sudler, also of St. Pauls, said Juneteenth is a day to celebrate and sets everybody, not just Blacks, free.