On June 21st, visitors and community members of all ages gathered at Martin Park in Sturgeon Bay to watch Double Dutch jump rope competitions, dance to live music, and learn to play African Drums. The event was held in honor of Juneteenth, an African American holiday that celebrates the end of slavery by the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation.

Dozens of on-lookers cheered and clapped as participants danced and jumped rope to the iconic song “Jump Around” and other music. The energy from attendees was unmatched and the event coordinator, Tracey Robertson, could not be more pleased with the turnout.

“Today’s event has been fantastic,” Robertson said, “we had so many community members come out and celebrate with us and we’ve had so much support from the community.” 

Robertson planned the event with the help from Ajamou Butler, who said the event has gone well, but that it also brought awareness to on-going social justice issues.

“We celebrate today, the Emancipation Proclamation, freedom of enslaved people and all those good things, but for me, the struggle continues, we’ve come so far, but there’s still a whole lot of work to do for social justice issues,” said Butler, “but it just empowers us as African Americans.”

The event wrapped up with an African Drum circle and attendees were invited to participate. Vendors were also on-site from various organizations to accompany the day’s festivities.