St. Gabriel Kicks Off Juneteenth With Buffalo Soldiers Freedom Motorcycle Club Ride

SAINT GABRIEL – The country is gearing up to celebrate the Juneteenth holiday, while the town of Saint Gabriel, Louisiana, already has a head start.

The city kicked off its Juneteenth weekend celebration with the fourth annual Buffalo Soldiers Freedom Ride. The two-mile ride honored a group of historic African Americans.

The Saint Gabriel Chapter of the Buffalo Soldiers Freedom Motorcycle Club tours each year in commemoration of their namesake; the famous African-American regiment formed in the 19th century.
Chapter President Freddy Frasier says the regiment played a pivotal role in training future African-American soldiers.

“They showed that we have the ability to fight for our country with meaning and honor,” Frasier said.

Saint Gabriel City Councilor Hoza Redditt told WBRZ that while it wasn’t a huge crowd, it was as long as you could get ahold of someone.

“It was a small gathering, but it was a big coming together experience. And I think it’s going to get even bigger and the best is yet to come.” » said Reddit.

“I’m just proud of the coming together of Buffalo Soldiers and our city’s mayor and everyone who came together to make this happen.”
St. George Mayor Lionel Johnson hopes the event continues to grow.

“Touch one, touch a few and we hope this event continues to grow. We expect our citizens to learn and take ownership; that’s why we call it Freedom Ride to celebrate the freedom we received on June 19.