The Truth Staff
Smith Park was the site of a Juneteenth celebration on Wednesday, June 19, as various groups gathered to celebrate the holiday and inform visitors of not only what the holiday commemorates but also what activities are available for those wishing to aid their communities.
The members of the Toledo Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club were there, as were the Re-enactors from the 5th Regiment of the US Colored Troop. The Unitarian Universalist People of Color Ministry also participated as did volunteers registering visitors to vote.
For the Toledo Buffalo Soldiers, the Smith Park gathering was only a part of the week of holiday celebrations.
On Tuesday, June 18, the Soldiers visited Oakwood Gardens to provide free lunch to all children and parents in the 168-unit complex in an effort to meet the residents and teach the history of the original Buffalo Soldiers. Food was prepared by Chef Jim Rhegness in his “Off The Rails” food trolley.
On Wednesday evening, the Maumee Elks organization presented the Soldiers with a check from the Trustees to help the group continue their work in the community.
