MI Juneteenth event celebrates freedom, culture and community

Before Simon Javan Okelo’s One Vibe Band performed one of its many songs at the Mercer Island Juneteenth Community Celebration on June 19, he told the crowd that dancing comes from the heart and soul.

As the sun shone down, the city of Mercer Island and the Mercer Island High School Black Student Union (BSU) were in the midst of partnering once again to present the three-hour event that was filled with music, food and activities at Mercerdale Park. They welcomed people to come together in unity, reflection and joy to celebrate freedom, culture and community.

According to Juneteenth.com and a state of Washington proclamation, Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the end of slavery. “From its Galveston, Texas origin in 1865, the observance of June 19th as the African American Emancipation Day has spread across the United States and beyond,” the Juneteenth.com site reads.

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“What a blessing it is to have an opportunity to connect with the community,” said BSU co-adviser Kelly John-Lewis. “It’s about connection, about feeling inclusive and just about a celebration. That’s what we make this day about. I love the opportunity to do this in this type of an environment. I’m always excited about it.”

BSU co-adviser Valerie Perine added about the event: “For me, it’s every day for me, I’m Black 365 days, so it’s really about community and gathering education. There’s some booths here that I hope they’re going to provide some history about Juneteenth and what it’s all about.”

Along with a Juneteenth information booth, there was one booth run by Madaraka Festival project manager Tunu Makamula. Mercer Island-based Okelo is the CEO and founder of the festival, which they’ve hosted for the past 11 years in Seattle. Freedom, music and power is their message.

“Madaraka means liberation, so it syncs perfectly with the meaning of the (Juneteenth) celebration. We are delighted to be the main performers here, just communicating the festival,” Makamula said.

Other booths at the event featured KMIH 88.9 The Bridge’s high school student broadcasters, jewelry and ceramics, Mercer Island Visual Arts League activities, high school football players, city information and more.

Before and after the One Vibe Band’s performance, a DJ filled the air with music, which included “Shining Star” by Earth Wind and Fire, “Rhythm Nation” by Janet Jackson, “Give Up the Funk” by Parliament and a host of other tunes.

BSU co-president Joy Rurangwa said she appreciated the energy and the plethora of people who attended the event to support diversity on the Island.

“There’s a lot of people who still believe in diversity and celebrating differences and all different ethnicities, even on an Island that’s predominantly white as Mercer Island is. So I think this is a testament to the goodness of humanity that still exists, even when it feels like a lot of stuff is going bad,” said Rurangwa, who co-presides over the BSU with Omolara Olusanya.

Perine praised the students who form the BSU, and said the most vital part of the group is teaching the kids about themselves.

“So much history that doesn’t include us — it should — because we are American history,” Perine said. “We have a group of kids who we learn from, as well, because they’re more in tune and they’re getting more information about their history than we got growing up. We’re learning right along with them and it’s great.”

At its June 17 regular meeting, Mercer Island City Council approved a proclamation and announced June 19 as Juneteenth on Mercer Island.

It reads, in part: “Juneteenth is a day to recognize the contributions that African Americans have made to our state, country, and community, a chance to reflect on the complex and painful history of our nation, and an opportunity to recommit ourselves to the work of creating a more equitable and just society.”

The Congregational Church on Mercer Island was also present at the event with a booth, and Pastor Jennifer Castle gave the following statement: “Participating in the Juneteenth event gives us an opportunity to stand up for values we hold dear — inclusiveness, freedom, and justice for all people. We celebrate the resilience and achievements of Black Americans and commit ourselves to creating a more just world.”

From left to right, Joy Rurangwa, Valerie Perine and Kelly John-Lewis. The trio is involved with the Mercer Island High School Black Student Union. Andy Nystrom/ staff photo

From left to right, Joy Rurangwa, Valerie Perine and Kelly John-Lewis. The trio is involved with the Mercer Island High School Black Student Union. Andy Nystrom/ staff photo

Attendees get dancing to the uplifting sounds of Simon Javan Okelo and his One Vibe Band. Andy Nystrom/ staff photo

Attendees get dancing to the uplifting sounds of Simon Javan Okelo and his One Vibe Band. Andy Nystrom/ staff photo

Andy Nystrom/ staff photo

Andy Nystrom/ staff photo

Andy Nystrom/ staff photo

Andy Nystrom/ staff photo

Photo courtesy of the Mercer Island School District

Photo courtesy of the Mercer Island School District

Photo courtesy of the Mercer Island School District

Photo courtesy of the Mercer Island School District