By Sandra White and Melvin Bankhead III

 

BUFFALO — In a powerful and emotional gathering that blended reverence, reflection, and forward momentum, Buffalo Juneteenth officially launched its 50th anniversary celebration on April 18. At its Genesee Street headquarters, founders, elders, new board members, and community leaders united to honor the celebration’s history and share plans for its future.

 

Buffalo’s celebration of Juneteenth remains one of the largest in the nation. Five decades after its founding, it remains a symbol of Buffalo’s Black cultural pride and unity. This year, the celebration will run from June 5 through June 21. Featured events include the ceremonial flag-raising, 50th anniversary gala, parade, a two-mile run, cultural programming, Underground Railroad tours, and musical performances.

 

Carrone Evon Crump, president of the Juneteenth Festival of Buffalo, noted that the annual event is a celebration of the Black community’s past and future. “As we celebrate this historic 50th year, our theme calls us forward: Honoring our elders. Serving our community. Empowering our youth,” said Crump.

 

“It's not just a celebration. It is a responsibility.”

 

Michael T.A. Smith, co-chair of the Juneteenth parade and a new member of the board, emphasized that the success of Juneteenth isn’t the work of one person, but of many.

 

“We cannot do this alone. This celebration exists because of community—because people come together,” he said. Reflecting on the significance of the moment and the journey ahead, he referenced an African proverb about collective effort: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”

 

Patrick Cray, who co-chairs the parade with Smith, reflected on the legacy of those who built the annual celebration. “I’m thankful for all of our matriarchs and patriarchs… who paved the way for me to be here before you.”

 

Smith, who also serves as co-chair of Juneteenth’s new Youth Ambassador Program, reinforced the importance of youth leadership.

 

“We want young people to have a seat at the table… to help shape programming and engage their peers,” said Smith.

 

An example of this inclusion is the Youth Empowerment Zone, a new addition to this year’s festival.

 

“This will be more than a space,” said new board member Shola Clark, who created the idea. “It’s a safe, engaging, affirming environment where young people can be seen, heard, and inspired,” said Clark, who balances being a single mother of two teenagers while serving as co-chair of Juneteenth’s public relations team, managing editor for The Challenger News, and a dispatcher for the Buffalo Fire Department.

 

Festival organizer Marcus O. Brown added that volunteerism has been key to Juneteenth’s success.

 

“This year, we are calling on everyone with gifts and talents to join the celebration,” said Brown, a former festival president, “Volunteering for a couple of hours can make a difference.”

 

Join the Movement!

 

• Volunteer your time—even a few hours

• Support youth initiatives

• Participate in the Empowerment Zone

• Become a Sponsor

• Buy Tickets to the Gala!

 

To learn more or register, visit buffalojuneteenth.com