| Franklin’s Bandstand Park will be one of the many centers of this Friday’s Junetenth celebrations held across the country to commemorates the day in 1865 when the news of freedom finally reached the last enslaved Americans in Galveston, Texas, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. “It is both a historical milestone and an opportunity for reflection, education, and unity,” said one of Franklin’s organizers Michelle Jones of Together We Can of Venango County. “Our theme is ‘Understanding the Past, Shaping the Future.’ Through this event, we hope to create meaningful opportunities for people of all backgrounds to learn, connect, and appreciate the diverse cultures that make our community stronger.” The event, from noon to 4 p.m. Friday June 19, will feature: cultural dance performances, poetry readings, spoken word presentations, historical exhibits and artifacts, live music and entertainment, food vendors, children's activities, including a bounce house, face painting, and a book nook story time and book giveaways for children. “The celebration encourages acceptance, respect, and understanding regardless of race, ethnicity, culture, or background,” Jones reiterated. It is one of the many events of Together We Can of Venango County. According to Jones, throughout the year, the organization works to foster understanding and meaningful dialogue through community engagement, educational initiatives, monthly TED Talk-style discussions, and partnerships with local schools, particularly at the elementary level to help promote inclusivity, cultural awareness, and respect from an early age. |    |
“We believe this celebration is more than an event; it is an opportunity for our community to come together, learn from one another, reflect on our shared history, and embrace the values that unite us.”
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