By Jefferson Díaz
The Truth Reporter
Fighting for our freedoms and not taking them for granted was the main message at the fourth annual Juneteenth celebration organized last Saturday by the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) – Toledo Branch -, the Alpha Xi Lambda chapter of the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity and the Toledo Lucas County Public Library.
Starting at 7 p.m., people began arriving at the Main Branch of the Toledo Public Library in Downtown, where food, drinks, and entertainment provided by a DJ were available. Everyone was enjoying the celebration when the main event began at 8:30 PM with the keynote speakers.
Darlene Sweeney-Newbern, president of the Toledo Chapter of the NAACP, was emphatic in her defense of the civil liberties enjoyed by Americans, which “should not be taken for granted.” She also advocated for Juneteenth to become an educational day where all young people learn about the history and importance of the Emancipation Proclamation which ended slavery in our country.
Sweeney acknowledged that many problems still affect the African American community: in the workplace, with the promotion of racist language, and with law enforcement abuses but these problems “at the NAACP, we receive complaints and we are working to ensure they don’t happen anymore.”
Rodney Eason, director of community affairs for the Alpha Xi Lambda chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, said that in Toledo, despite the problems affecting African Americans, “which are diverse and we need to solve them, there is also room for opportunity and for being proactive.”
Eason also expressed his gratitude for the partnership with the Toledo Public Library and announced that in October they will hold a forum to meet the candidates running for mayor of Toledo. One of the fraternity’s main goals is to educate citizens about their rights as voters and the importance of voting.
Jason Kucsma, general manager of the Toledo Public Library, thanked everyone and emphasized the importance of Juneteenth. “Through our incredible team of librarians we promote these types of activities and readings so the community understands the significance of this date for our city and our country.”
Originally this celebration was held on the rooftop of the Main Branch of the Toledo Public Library, but this year, given what could have been a bad turn for the weather with a forecast of rain, they decided to move it to the main hall.