Local communities honor Juneteenth through music, history and culture
Par Kermani
EASTERN IDAHO (KIFI) — Communities across eastern Idaho are preparing to celebrate Juneteenth with events in Idaho Falls and Pocatello honoring the end of slavery in the United States and highlighting African American history, culture and contributions.
Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, and informed enslaved people they were free — more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation. The holiday became a federal holiday in 2021.
In Idaho Falls, community organizations and local governments will come together for the Third Annual Juneteenth: An Evening at the Colonial on June 19 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Colonial Theater.
The free event will feature musical performances and storytelling exploring the history and significance of Juneteenth and the influence of African American culture on American music throughout the 20th century.
The evening will begin with a Juneteenth proclamation read by Idaho Falls Mayor Lisa Burtenshaw, joined by representatives from the City of Ammon and the Bonneville County Commissioners.
“I’m glad our community can come together to celebrate and reflect on Juneteenth,” Burtenshaw said. “It’s an important moment in our nation’s history, and we remain dedicated to freedom and equality for everyone.”
Organizers say the program will include performances guided by Idaho Falls Symphony Executive Director Carrie Athay and a Readers’ Theater presentation by the Freedom Readers youth group.
Meanwhile, the Pocatello Branch of the NAACP will host its fourth local Juneteenth celebration on June 20 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Pocatello Senior Activity Center and neighboring Purce Park.
The family-friendly event will feature ethnic and traditional foods, music, raffles, scholarship announcements and activities for children. Organizers say the celebration will also recognize the history of Juneteenth and the ongoing pursuit of equality.
“Juneteenth is a time to honor the hard-fought victories of the past while moving forward in the ongoing struggle for equality for all, a fight that requires courage, conviction and community effort,” said Pocatello NAACP President Jackie Wood.
Retired Idaho State University administrator Dr. James H. Yizar Jr. will serve as the keynote speaker. The event will also include a performance of “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” often referred to as the Black National Anthem, by local singer Tiphanie Anirah.
Wood said the celebration is an opportunity to recognize those who fought for freedom while encouraging future generations to continue that work.
“As we come together this year in celebration of this hard-fought holiday, may we remember those who paved the way for victories in justice and join our efforts with theirs as we strive for a better future for the rising generation,” Wood said.
Organizers in both communities say the events are open to the public and are intended to educate, celebrate and bring people together while reflecting on an important chapter of American history.