Elected officials and members of the Yonkers African American Heritage Committee
L-R-Council President Lakisha Collins-Bellamy, County Legislator Shanae Williams, Councilwoman Deana Robinson. Photos from Councilwoman Robinson’s Facebook page
By: Dennis Richmond, Jr.
The Yonkers Annual Citywide Juneteenth African Heritage Parade and Festival Weekend 2024 was an unforgettable celebration of freedom, culture, and community spirit. Held on Saturday, June 15th, 2024, starting at 1:00 PM EST, this vibrant event kicked off with a parade that traversed from Warburton Avenue and Manor House Square to the JFK Marina, where the festivities continued well into the evening.
Embodying the theme of Ujima, meaning collective work and responsibility, the parade was a testament to unity and solidarity within the Yonkers community. Supported by nearly ten co-sponsors, including local hero Ron of Ron’s Moving, Packing, and Trucking Company, the event showcased the power of collaboration in honoring African heritage and history.
From children dancing joyously to performers towering on stilts, the parade was a spectacle of diversity and creativity. The participation of Messiah Baptist Church of Yonkers, led by Pastor Frank Evan Coleman, Jr., and First Lady Margaret Fountain-Coleman, added a profound spiritual dimension, with church member Adell Reynolds embodying the joyous spirit of the occasion.
Elected officials including Yonkers City Council President Lakisha Collins-Bellamy, Councilwoman Deana Robinson, New York State Assemblyman J. Gary Pretlow, and City of Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano, alongside Majority Leader of the New York State Senate Andrea Stewart Cousins, marched proudly, underscoring their commitment to the community’s heritage and progress.
DJ Myte brought the beats to a float adorned with colors. The young man over DJ Myte Academy made sure to infuse the parade with infectious rhythms that kept spirits high. Meanwhile, Ron Williams of Ron’s Trucking Corp., a pillar of the community, not only graced the stage but also gave back generously, embodying the essence of Juneteenth’s celebration of freedom and generosity.
The festival itself was a melting pot of music, food, giveaways, and heartfelt connections, echoing the historic significance of Juneteenth. This day, marking the emancipation of the last enslaved people in the United States in 1865, resonated deeply with attendees who came together in joyous commemoration of resilience and hope.
News 12’s Carol Wilkinson captured the moment, bringing the sights and sounds of this extraordinary day to viewers across Westchester, ensuring that the spirit of Juneteenth and its message of freedom reached far and wide.
The Yonkers Annual Citywide Juneteenth African Heritage Parade and Festival Weekend 2024 was not just an event, but a celebration of unity, history, and community pride. It set a shining example of how a city can come together to honor its past, celebrate its present, and inspire its future.
