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People came out Saturday to get food for their bodies, minds and souls at the Juneteenth Celebration at Cauley Lott Park in Mount Dora.
For organizer Mae Hazleton, this wasn’t the first celebration of its kind, but it felt like it.
“Juneteenth was made a federal holiday in 2021, but this, for me, is the inaugural event. Its the first time we’ve come together as a unit to do this in the community of Mount Dora. I think it’s phenomenal,” said Hazleton. “The kids are having fun, the adults are having fun, everyone seems to be joyous even though its hot”
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The holiday, sometimes referred to as Jubilee Day or Emancipation Day, marks when Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas and, on June 19, 1865, began enforcing emancipation. The day has been celebrated ever since, but it wasn’t until last year that it officially became a federal holiday — the first since Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
“Juneteenth means a celebration and commemoration of the continuing struggle that we have as Black Americans,” said Jamil Davis, the Florida head of Black Voters Matter. “Knowing and understanding that, even though the appearance of freedom has been given to black people, certain restrictions have been put in place to continue to hold us back”
Saturday’s event brought together a host of community groups who came to raise awareness of their services. It was co-sponsored by All About the Ballots, GoMountDora, Community Development Corporation of Mount Dora, Black Voters Matter, Black Women’s Roundtable and Peachy Enterprises.
People could find information on voter registration, COVID testing, children’s aid and health programs — and were fed barbecue, burgers and hot dogs for free as they learned. Visitors were asked to sign in and briefly visit with each group — no vendors, only free community services — and when they had made the rounds there were ribs and chicken courtesy of T&C Barbecue. The Mount Dora Police Department also brought their food truck which was manned by staff from Pisces Rising.
Lillian Rodriguez with the Lake County Health Department said some people were surprised with the variety of ways the health department can help.
“I have a variety of resources, everything from nutrition and exercising to preventing chronic diseases. We also have information if someone is going through a hardship and they need some information such as a food pantry list, or where they can get employment or financial services,” said Rodriguez.
Diana Rivera, an English teacher at Mount Dora Middle School, said its important for her to learn all she can about local aid groups.
“It’s always good as a teacher to know, because you when come across a child who’s struggling you have all these things and you can call somebody. It’s a community effort to get these kids where they need to be,” Rivera said.
Singer Ruth King added soulful tunes about consciousness and the need to come together — and the joy that brings. Soul Therapy offered a funkier side to afternoon. While the adults danced, children kept cool on a large water slide or climbed a rock wall.
While everyone enjoyed the food — and did their best to avoid the afternoon heat — the sense of unity and shared commitment was palpable. People crowded a booth to register to vote then hugged each other before sitting down to eat together as a new community.
“Juneteenth is about freedom, and there are still freedoms that the African-American community doesn’t enjoy — being healthy, wealthy and wise,” said Hazleton. “We want you to learn about the community and what we are offering, but we also want you to enjoy the food. Feed your mind, then feed your body. “
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