Pottstown Juneteenth plans coming together

POTTSTOWN — Ever since its modest beginnings in Memorial Park in 2021 when it became a federal holiday, the Pottstown’s Juneteenth celebration has been gaining in size, scope and popularity.

Juneteenth is the oldest celebration commemorating the ending of slavery in the United States.

It was on June 19, 1865 (two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was in effect) that the Union soldiers landed at Galveston, Texas with news that the war had ended and that the enslaved were now free. The celebration carries the thesis that until we’re all free, none of us are free.

Pennsylvania now permanently recognizes Juneteenth, as a state holiday. Governor Tom Wolf on Wednesday, June 19, 2019 signed legislation designating June 19 as Juneteenth National Freedom Day in Pennsylvania. Congress followed suit in 2021

Plans for a downtown celebration are underway now and more extensive than ever.

This year’s event will be held on June 15 and High Street will be closed between York and Charlotte streets from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. for the street festival.

According to the website — juneteenth.com — set up to promote the event, it will feature music with a DJ and live bands; basketball 3v3 tournaments; face painting; drumline and dance teams; storytelling; a Black history exhibition; a motorcycle and car show; health screenings; moon bounces and kids activities; special appearances; vendors and more.

But there is still time to get involved, according to organizer Denise Williams, CEO and Founder of Be ReZilient.

Juneteenth Scholarship

For example, the Pottstown Juneteenth Scholarship has grown from last year’s seven $350 awards to seven $500 awards to be presented this year. As the scholarship grows the scholarship committee’s goal is to be able to give $1,865 to seven students in the community.

To qualify, applicants must identify as African American; reside in the Pottstown or Pottsgrove community; be enrolled (or) plan to be enrolled in an accredited college; have a minimum 3.0 GPA; demonstrated involvement in community service, volunteer work, or extracurricular activities.
While not the sole determining factor, financial need will be taken into consideration during the selection process.

Applicants must also an essay of no more than 500 words describing their academic goals, achievements, and how this scholarship will contribute to their educational journey and community impact.

They must also write an essay at least 100 words describing their thoughts on the significance of community unity and why they believe it is necessary as well as provide an official transcript of their academic records from their current or most recent educational institution.

The link to apply can be found at https://www.pottstownjuneteenth.com/– and the deadline to apply is May 17 at 11:59 p.m. The scholarship will be awarded on June 19 at the RIVET, 238 High St., during the Scholarship Gala.

3 on 3 Basketball

Pottstown alum and basketball great Howard Brown is leading the planning of the 3 on 3 basketball tournament and registration is now open.

The tournament is open to three age groups, for up to four players per team: Adults 18+; Youth 14-17; Youth 10-13 and registration closes on May 1, or when all four teams are full in each division.

It is a single elimination, 4-team tournament with  3 divisions. Win one game and advance to the championship. Seed will be determined by the order of which teams register (1st and 2nd teams to register in each division get a rest before the championship). Teams must sign up in groups of 3 or 4 under the correct age group. Division determined by age of the oldest player and coed teams are welcome.

There will be numbered Pottstown Juneteenth Tourney shirts for all players

For more information, contact iball411@gmail.com with questions.

STRIVE Shadowing Vendors

Vendor slots are still open and Pottstown alumni who now own and run their own business are being sought out particularly. Go to the website to apply.

This is not only to highlight local businesses, but also to assist the STRIVE Initiative which is working with students and providing shadowing experiences throughout the day on June 15th  in various areas of entertainment, event management, marketing and more. “We as a committee have tried to ensure this is more than an event; this is a learning experience as well for our youth,” Williams wrote.

The Committee

Efforts to put this event together are being led by the following organizations: Be ReZilient; Lynice Ellen Designs.com; changemaker; iBall; Rivet, the STRIVE Initiative; Heart of God Family Worship Center; Boyertown Area Multi-Service; YWCA Tri-County Area; the YMCA.

The committee urges those who would like to be sponsors to go here: https://www.pottstownjuneteenth.com/sponsors

Those would like to advertise on the event’s web pages should go here: https://www.pottstownjuneteenth.com/advertise

Those would like to be a vendor to go here: https://www.pottstownjuneteenth.com/be-a-vendor

Those would like to be performers to go here: https://www.pottstownjuneteenth.com/performers

“This year is going to be a celebration of African American History you won’t want to miss,” Williams wrote to supporters. “From honoring our history through music to recognizing our contribution in various industries to showcasing our competitive spirit and resilient souls through 3 on 3 basketball tournaments and most importantly empowering our next generation through scholarship,” she wrote. “This event will leave you full of pride for our culture and as a community. “