Syracuse, NY - African drummers played a rhythmic beat while children bounced in inflatable play structures. Rhythm and blues, hip hop and gospel music resonated from the stage. And the smell of fried dough, goat curry and sweet potato pie prevailed today on the final day of the 23rd annual Juneteenth Festival. Thousands of people gathered at Clinton Square...
Syracuse, NY - African drummers played a rhythmic beat while children bounced in inflatable play structures.
Rhythm and blues, hip hop and gospel music resonated from the stage.
And the smell of fried dough, goat curry and sweet potato pie prevailed today on the final day of the 23rd annual Juneteenth Festival.
Thousands of people gathered at Clinton Square not only to have a good time, but to commemorate June 19, 1865, the day the last American slaves — in Texas and Louisiana — heard the news of their freedom after the Civil War ended.
“What it shows is with struggle — and if everyone works together — we can achieve,” Syracuse Juneteenth board president Duane Owens said. “As you can see we have a big struggle facing our city, whether it’s economics, crime or joblessness. We all need to work together. If we do, we can overcome these challenges and uplift Central New York.”
One challenge the Juneteenth Festival tackled this afternoon was health care.
“The African American community is underinsured so they may not go to their doctor’s as often as they should,” said Bridget McCarthy, president of the Syracuse Area Black Nurses Association.
About 15 health organizations set up booths under a tent, sponsored by SUNY Upstate Medical University, in the Dr. Henry A. Washington Health Pavilion. Washington was the first African American doctor to establish a private practice in Syracuse.
Visitors picked up brochures and talked to health care professionals about how to prevent and control potentially deadly diseases and illnesses, and what services are available. They could have their blood pressure checked, fill a bag with condoms, and bring home a toothbrush and dental floss.
“This is wonderful because it’s a non-threatening environment,” Aduke Branch, 58, of Syracuse, said while having her blood pressure checked. “In the last 15 years, I’ve gained 55 pounds. It was gradual. I’m trying to really focus on my health because I want to live and have a good quality of life.”
Branch was happy to learn that her blood pressure was in the healthy range, but not everyone was so lucky. McCarthy said one woman was surprised to learn she had high blood pressure.
“Many diseases and illnesses can be treated if caught early enough,” said McCarthy, a nurse practitioner at SUNY Upstate. “But because some people don’t know where to do or the signs to look for, they wait until it’s too late.”
Also at the festival, the William G. Pomeroy Foundation signed up people to become part of the bone marrow donation registry and the American Red Cross gave out information about donating blood and volunteering.
“It’s really a matter of access to health care and health care information,” Owens said. “It’s not just for African Americans. It’s the lower economic society in our city that does not have adequate access to health care. We felt we should do whatever we can to help make health care more accessible and provide the awareness and information to a population that normally wouldn’t have access to it.”
Earlier today, about 500 people marched in a parade from Dr. King School to Clinton Square. The parade included floats, a literacy bus, marching bands, stilt walkers, Miss Juneteenth Charice Lundy and children chanting “Say Yes to Education.” A late afternoon downpour paused festivities in Clinton Square.
Catie O’Toole can be reached at cotoole@syracuse.com or 470-2134.