Plans set for Rochester’s Juneteenth celebration

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Juneteenth will be celebrated locally on Saturday, June 17.

The federal holiday commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. This year’s theme is “celebrating 50 years of hip hop and a lifetime of freedom.” The Juneteenth Festival Committee now has new members.

“It’s important for us to really be able to elevate one other and let the community know that we do have recourses and who those resources are. Really putting a face to actually what the work is,” said event coordinator Natalie Sheppard.

A parade will off the festivities, which will feature food, recognition of community members, and scholarships awarded to high school students. A national recording artist will be announced in the next couple of weeks, according to organizers.

The festival runs from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at MLK Memorial Park in the city.