SCRANTON, Pa. — The Juneteenth Jubilee block party in Scranton began as a brunch party five years ago to celebrate the end of slavery in 1865.
It has now turned into what organizers say is a grand celebration of culture, freedom, community, and connection.
"Juneteenth isn't just for Black people. It's for everyone, and I think we should start supporting other cultures and ethnicities in the same way we support the Italian festival or the St. Patrick's Day parade. Everyone there isn't Irish or Italian, but people come out, have a good time and taste the culture, try the culture, and learn new things, and I think that's exactly what this could be. It's my favorite event of the year. I love it," said Glynis Johns, Founder and CEO of Black Scranton Project.
The block party has music, live performers, and artists throughout the day, fresh food vendors, free ice cream, and even free rollerskating for everyone to enjoy.
"What are you doing here today? 'Rollerskating!' "How much fun are you having?" 'A lot,' said Ryann Martin, Scranton.
Shemar Bess has been coming to the Juneteenth Jubilee for years and says he looks forward to celebrating with his family year after year, "And it's been a great time just being out with the rest of the people to have fun, and having a great time and doing stuff like you've never done before and yeah it's been a great time today."
Steven Davis made it all the way from Brooklyn, New York and says it feels like home in NEPA, "They're bringing the culture back. That's what I love about it. That's what I'm used to especially being from Brooklyn. I'm used to block parties and everyone coming together, so this is great."
"It's amazing like it's just such a good vibe. It's so many vendors and opportunities, and I get to meet new people and bring us all together in unity. That's the best part about it," said Kimberly Vazquez, vendor, Verstylez Beauty Bar.
The Black Scranton Project Juneteenth Jubilee organizers say the block party gets bigger and better every year, and they hope more allies join the fun next year.