Why is it important to celebrate beyond June 16?

Buffalo Juneteenth board member Jomo Akono joins In Focus this week to discuss why people should continue celebrating Juneteenth year-round.

“June 16 is very important because we look at the history of America, the different phases that have happened, what has brought us to where we are,” Akono said. “Juneteenth is about more social justice, more recognition and it relates to many different aspects of life. First of all, Juneteenth is the recognition of when those enslaved in Texas received the news that they were actually emancipated around two and a half six months after the fact, but many people had not obtained the guaranteed rights so General Granger and company decided to strengthen these laws. not had Juneteenth if Africans had been robbed and kidnapped and forced to work That’s how a lot of our ancestors were brought here So we can have that cultural connectivity as well as, you know, understand the roles that we. let’s play in the history of the nation.

“We’re always happy to talk about how important Buffalo is in America, being one of the greatest units and we’re going to be on our 49th year in a row next year and we’re heading towards 50. But this happened. because our entire community not only participates in the weekend events in our Martin Luther King Jr. Park, but we also host many events that address education and the historical and even correct positioning in our community of organizations. work, education and occupational health We’re really trying to help liberate people even in the 21st century, with obstacles that may persist. So it’s about having a restorative mindset in order. to make the nation better people should play their best role, our best role is to be prepared and prepared.

“And the recognition of African culture and African tradition really happens throughout the year. Until now, the music and art of ancient traditions have always been the guardians of our stories and our archives in the African tradition. I work at WUFO, the black group in Western New York -, women-owned, the oldest on the station, which and it’s very important because the music, the history. and culture are a direct download of what was happening, what was feeling and it also gives us a marker, a real marker of what We lived without the music without the cultural history without keeping it alive. We might lose track of our direction and our path or are we still on the right track So being involved in music, being involved in culture all year round also connects us to the multifaceted dimensions of our? culture.

You can hear the full conversation between Jomo Akono and JoDee Kenney via the video player above. And don’t forget to check out the biggest issues affecting Upstate New York on In Focus with JoDee Kenney – every Sunday. Spectrum News 1.