HONOLULU (KHON) — June 19 marks Juneteenth, a significant day commemorating the end of slavery in the United States.
To celebrate this historic occasion, the organization Do It For The Culture Hawaii, is hosting a Juneteenth Block Party at the Tom Moffatt Waikiki Shell from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.
"Juneteenth represents a time where we reflect on the triumphs and struggles of the African diaspora. This day marks the moment in 1865 when the last enslaved people in the U.S. learned of their freedom, two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. They celebrated in the streets, and that's what we plan to do tomorrow—celebrate and honor our history," said organizer Shanei Cleveland.
The Juneteenth Block Party at the Waikiki Shell is expected to be a vibrant and engaging event.
"Visitors can expect a massive amount of fun and culture," Shanei said.
"We have live poetry, comedians, a keiki zone with bounce houses, cotton candy, face painting, music performances, African dancing, and drumming. There's even Tai Chi, as we're all about cultural inclusion and diversity. We also have a variety of food vendors offering barbecue, soul food, Caribbean cuisine, and more."
This year marks the third Juneteenth Block Party organized by Do It For The Culture Hawaii.
"Last year, we had over 5,000 attendees at Bishop Museum. With the larger venue at the Waikiki Shell and more people having the day off, we’re expecting around 7,500 people this year," said Cleveland.
Cleveland expressed her excitement about the future of the event. "I see the Juneteenth Block Party evolving into the quintessential celebration of cultural diversity in Hawaii. With so many different races and ethnicities here, it's a space for everyone to come together, celebrate, and feel included. We aim to create a vibe and energy that’s unique to this event."
Reflecting on her own diverse heritage, Cleveland shared, "I moved here (from New York) because I am Hawaiian. I'm also African American, Jamaican, Panamanian, Irish, and Chinese. My goal is to create a space where everyone, regardless of their background, feels a sense of belonging and can celebrate their culture."
On the importance of the event to the local community, Cleveland said "Both African Americans and Hawaiians have faced the trauma and negative impact of colonization. This event aims to bring our communities together, reduce microaggressions, and highlight our shared experiences and common humanity."
The Juneteenth Block Party promises to be a joyful and inclusive celebration.
"Come see your aunties and cousins! This event is about coming together as one big ohana."