POTSDAM — Music, presentations, storytelling and a free buffet meal were among the offerings at the fifth annual Potsdam Juneteenth Celebration held June 22.

Despite light rain, the event was held outside at Ives Park Gazebo, with many attendees prepared with umbrellas and raincoats.

The free cultural event began with speakers giving a short history of Black history in the United States, with Juneteenth now a national holiday to celebrate the last slaves freed June 19, 1865.

Mayor Alexandra Jacobs Wilke said it was an honor to host the community celebration.

"It is our job to reflect on our past, to learn from the mistakes of history, and do better for our community today and tomorrow,” said Wilke.

Niciara House and Jahonna Sloan performed the spiritual song “Lift every voice, and sing.”

They were presented awards for courage in the face of racial injustice in their effort to sing the song at their Gouverneur High School graduation last year, but were denied their request.

Raamitha Pillay received the Juneteenth Community Activist Award for 2024. She has been an organizer for the Juneteenth celebration and active in promoting racial justice.

Following speakers and musical performances, attendees were treated to a heritage-rich meal catered by Big Spoon Kitchen.