GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Green Bay’s first Juneteenth rally took place at Perkins Park this afternoon. The rally was hosted by Black Lives United-Green Bay and We All Rise African American Resource Center.
“This is one of the first times in my 30 years of being in Green Bay and we’ve been able to function in a public setting and everyone’s supporting culture and difference,” said Green Bay resident Damien Doran.
The celebration comes at a time people are also demanding change to right racial injustice.
Some say today is seen as a start.
“There’s a lot we can do to help the black community move forward but by recognizing Juneteenth is really important,” said event organizer Robin Tinnon.
Organizers say the event is to help the black community keep moving forward.
People were able to support black owned business owners who set up booths in Perkins Park.
“Visit the black economies and get out of your comfort zone and bring it into your household.”
Everyone attending also had the chance to participate in games and competitions for prizes.
It marked an opportunity to begin changing Green Bay.
“We’ve seen some terrible events here in America and I think we need to make change,” said Green Bay Police Department chief Andrew Smith.
“I feel like the community can unite and stick up for one another and help each other be more positive,” said event organizer Dajahnae Williams
Tinnon said today’s generation has the chance to do this.
“We have a lot of eyes open and we have a magnificent and diverse generation of young people that are not going to allow this to continue to happen,” said Tinnon.
As for supporting the black community beyond Juneteenth,
“We have to be revolutionary in the way we’re thinking about investing in the black communities here in Green Bay if we really want to change that,” said Tinnon.
People at Friday’s event say it’s a good start.
“A landmark to build upon. It’s the bridge to a gap to understanding different cultures do exist in one nation,” said Doran.
