Writer and philosopher George Santayana is known to have said, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”
Racism, sexism and other similar issues of hate still exist in American society.
But various events across the country have sparked a new awareness, especially regarding racism, through Juneteenth celebrations, originally designed to commemorate the end of slavery in the U.S.
For Guthrie, it began with a “Unity” walk in 2020, a path from the east to the west side of Guthrie and up Oklahoma Street from the Masonic Temple to just past the police station.
Last year was the first official Guthrie Juneteenth Celebration with the theme of “Freedom.” It also was the year Juneteenth officially was declared a national holiday.
This year, on Saturday, June 18 – a day before the officially recognized holiday – the community again will celebrate African American culture with the themes of unity, empowerment and progress.
The celebration will be at Mineral Wells Park from 4 to 10 p.m.
Mineral Wells Park has several amenities to enjoy, including a splash pad, tennis and basketball courts, a playground, horseshoes, and more.
There also will be a basketball shooting contest hosted by the Langston University Athletic Department, along with a special presentation, and the live band “Direct Connect” performing from 6 to 9 p.m.
Note: All children under age 12 must be accompanied by an adult over 18 to attend the celebration.
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