GREEN BAY, Wis (NBC 26) -- Juneteenth will be recognized this Friday by people across the country. This year the gatherings taking place will mark 155 years since some of the last slaves following the Civil War were emancipated in Texas. This summer, for the first time in recent history, there's a major gathering planned for Green Bay so that the community can come together and honor the holiday.
Organizers at Black Lives United will be kicking off a day of community unity at Perkins Park Friday morning at 11 am. At the gathering, there will be several activities for the kids including kickball, dodge ball, races, double-dutch, and face paintings. For the adults and older kids, there will also be live music, basketball, softball tournaments and of course food.
But beyond the physical activities, organizers say there will also be opportunities for residents to learn more about black culture. Organizers also say there will be opportunities to hear and speak to local black leaders about the injustices and potential solutions, involving some of the current and historical injustices which black men and women have experienced.
"We feel it is an absolute necessity to educate our black community about where we come from, what our history is so that we as a people can come together and move forward in life," says Chanucey Hughes a member of Black Lives United who is helping organize Friday's event.
The day of celebration will wrap up at 7 pm and organizers say they hope it will help unite our community during the social unrest which many are currently experiencing.
To find out more about Friday's Juneteenth gathering check out the Black Lives United Facebook page here.
