Local youth support organization The Voice of Youth Changes Everything (V.O.Y.C.E. Inc.) is partnering with local elected officials and community organizations to host its fourth annual “Juneteenth in Queens” celebration. The free community festival will be held on Wednesday, June 19, from 12-8 p.m. at Roy Wilkins Park, located on Merrick Blvd in Jamaica.
The organization will launch a virtual education series from June 11-18, leading up to the celebration, featuring a diverse panel of Black elected officials, civic leaders and stakeholders. Panelists aim to educate and empower Queens youth through joy, learning and healing. The series is co-sponsored by Assemblymember Alicia Hyndman and Elmcor Youth and Adult Activities Inc. Previously, the festival garnered success, attracting over 15,000 virtual and in-person attendees.
The Juneteenth festival will showcase over 50 Black-owned businesses’ products and services related to beauty, fashion, health, wellness, resources and art. Families will also enjoy a day filled with entertainment and special guests, including DJ Clue and event hosts Nyemiah $ and Kyah Baby.
Tunisia Morrison, co-founder of V.O.Y.C.E. Inc., said it is an honor and privilege to organize Queens’ yearly Juneteenth celebration. “We aim to continue fostering collaboration in Queens that highlights the progress and efforts of the Black Diaspora. Although some states, cities and corporations have yet to acknowledge Juneteenth as a permanent paid or legal holiday, we remain committed to raising awareness through celebration, education and service,” Morrison said.
Elmcor CEO Saeeda Dunston added that it is imperative to continue to share Black stories and history with the local community. “As efforts to actively erase our history from school curriculums nationwide continue to intensify, now more than ever, it’s critical that we deploy our activism to create safe spaces to tell our stories on our terms—with truth always at the forefront,” said Dunston.
Festival attendees are encouraged to register online.
