Own Your Freedom: a celebration of Black Independence Day

By AFRO Staff

A day of food, festivities and fun was celebrated among family and friends on June 10 at the “Own Your Freedom” event in honor of Juneteenth. Speaker and entrepreneur Cheryl D. Gray hosted the event, which included a signing for her book “In Support of Myself.”

The Juneteenth celebration recognized the historic date on June 19, 1865 when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas and announced that all enslaved people were freed. Approximately five years later, in the 1870s, a small group of approximately 10 former slaves gathered $800 to purchase land in Houston. That space is now known as Emancipation Park, where they could host Juneteenth celebrations for years to come.

Performances from U Street Theatre Group and songstress AM Angel brought joy to the crowd while charitable organizations shared information on community resources.

Cheryl D. Gray signs copies of her book, “In Support of Myself.” (Photos courtesy of Cheryl Gray)
Carol Nash, founder of Bernadette’s House, attended the celebration and Robin Edwards. (Photos courtesy of Cheryl Gray)
Curator of the Howard County Center of African American Culture, Marcus Hicks, leads a libation ceremony. (Photos courtesy of Cheryl Gray)
Maryland State Delegate Dr. Terri Hill (D-12a) speaks to those gathered for the celebration. (Photos courtesy of Cheryl Gray)
Dr. Judy Latta (left) attends the book signing with author Cheryl D. Gray and Dr. Joe Latta. (Photos courtesy of Cheryl Gray)
Dr. Hazel Glasper, owner and founder of Revive Dental, a sponsor of the event.
(Photos courtesy of Cheryl Gray)
Nathaniel Alston, executive director of Howard County Center of African American Culture. (Photos courtesy of Cheryl Gray)
AM Angel serenades the crowd. (Photos courtesy of Cheryl Gray)