Arts & Entertainment

Annual Juneteenth Celebration to Include Discussion on Race

Saturday's event begins at 9 a.m.

A historical and cultural event celebrating the end of slavery is set for Saturday at the Sewickley Community Center. 

The annual Juneteenth celebration at 15 Chadwick St. will include a five-person panel made up of local leaders and residents, who will discuss the topic: "There is no race?"

"This year our panel discussion surrounds the socio-economic construct of race," said Autumn Redcross, organizer of the fourth annual event. "Where else can you go for a responsible conversation among community friends--and expect to grow from it. It's very exciting."

Betty Douglas will serve as the moderator for the discussion. 

Juneteenth, or June 19, celebrates African-American freedom and emphasizes education, achievement and history. Saturday's event will include appearances by Abe Lincoln and the United States Colored Troops.

In addition to food and craft booths, visitors will be entertained with children arts and activities.

The event also includes a free swim from 12:30 to 6 p.m. in the community center pool to kick off the summer season.


List of Events

  • 9 a.m. Garden Reception
  • 10 a.m. Panel Discussion in the SCC Community Room, Moderated by Betty Asche Douglas
  • Noon:  Proclamation
  • Appearances by Abe Lincoln and the United States Colored Troops
  • 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. - Children arts and activities, including yarn bombing, rim rolling, paper bird hanging and hula-hooping fun
  • 12:30 to 6 p.m. - Free Swim


Juneteenth Panel:

  • Dr. Robert G. McInerney, associate professor of psychology, Point Park University
  • Terri Bradford, president of the Daniel B. Matthews Historical Society
  • Doug Florey, director of the Laughlin Center
  • Ashley Kelly Stuart, Sewickley Community Center Food Pantry Garden and Pittsburgh Food Bank
  • Phil McCaffrey, educator and CEO of McCaffrey Tutoring

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