Sharpsburg’s Juneteenth celebration aims to inspire, educate

Tawnya Panizzi
Wednesday, June 23, 2021 10:24 a.m. | Wednesday, June 23, 2021 10:24 a.m.

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Courtesy of Kaylee Uribe

Karen Arrington sang the Black National Anthem “Lift Every Voice” during the Juneteenth celebration in Sharpsburg on June 18.

Courtesy of Kaylee Uribe

The first annual Juneteenth celebration in Sharpsburg on June 18 drew about 250 people.

Courtesy of Kaylee Uribe

Sharpsburg councilwoman Kayla Portis and Mayor Matt Rudzki enjoyed themselves at the first annual Juneteenth celebration in Sharpsburg on June 18.

Karen Arrington belted out the Black national anthem “Lift Every Voice” to the delight of a crowd that gathered at Kennedy Park in Sharpsburg for the borough’s first-ever Juneteenth celebration.

The event from 6 to 8 p.m. on June 18 saw food, music and activities to educate attendees on the history of Juneteenth, recently signed into law as a federal holiday by President Biden.

“My hope is that Black history will be taught year-round instead of just Black History Month in our school district in the near future,” Councilwoman Kayla Portis said.

Portis was appointed last year and is the borough’s first Black councilperson. She said representation is important for the all.

“We had this celebration to educate the community,” Portis said. “We want to show how important the past, present and future are and to come together to enjoy a great educational and fun event.

“I hope that people learned that Black history is a part of American history.”

The event drew about 250 people.