Placer Juneteenth celebrates freedom, family, community

Throughout Placer County and the nation, groups came together on Saturday, June 21, to celebrate Juneteenth, a day that commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. Johnson-Springview Park in Rocklin was the site of the fifth annual Juneteenth organized by Twiana Armstrong, founder of seeMYchild. The mission of seeMYchild is to ensure all children are treasured, encouraged and recognized. "Today, we stand on the shoulders of those who survived the unimaginable and still found joy, still built community, and still believed in tomorrow," Armstrong stated. "Juneteenth is more than a date in history. It's a reminder that delayed justice doesn't mean denied destiny. "At seeMYchild," Armstrong continued, "we believe every child deserves to be seen, not just for who they are but for who they can become. When we invest in their dreams, we are building a future of hope, purpose and power. "The theme of today's Juneteenth gathering is Celebrating the Beloved Community. We continue to embrace and integrate Dr. King's work towards nonviolence, work that focuses on attaining the beloved community by attacking racism, poverty and militarism. So today, let us dance, let us sing, let us uplift – and recommit ourselves to the work. Because freedom is not a moment, it's a movement." Scores of vendors, nonprofits, historic societies, social resources groups, plus great music attracted a buoyant crowd. The Placer Community Foundation was a major sponsor of the event. Dozens of volunteers helped to power the event. SeeMYchild supports the community with scholarships, and Armstrong announced two scholarships for teens in Rocklin. These scholarships honor two extraordinary people whose lives were cut short. The Larry Wallace Scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior who has excelled in academics and athletics. This year's recipient is an avid swimmer and equally exceptional student at Twelve Bridges High School, Abby Martin. The Shearl Walker Scholarship is awarded to a student who excels in academics and has contributed substantially to his or her community. This year's recipient is not only academically driven, she is also a member of mock trial, she tutors, she is a school mentor, and she has volunteered in health services, all while helping in the family restaurant. The recipient is a senior at Rocklin High School, Saba Atherley. Another seeMYchild initiative is the Educational Forum. Armstrong has forged unique partnerships with the Latino Leadership Council (LLC) and Sierra Native Alliance (SNA). Among other projects, seeMYchild works with LLC and SNA on the Youth Suicide Prevention Project. SeeMYchild is also a subcontractor in a Sierra Health Foundation grant called Elevate Youth. Students work with their peers to share information about the Never a Bother Campaign. Particularly striking at the Juneteenth celebration was the unveiling of the Mt. Crushmore Art Project. Students selected four historic people who deserve to be celebrated, and they created portraits on large panels, reminiscent of Mt. Rushmore. Armstrong reminded the audience the tireless efforts and determination of Opal Lee, known as the Grandmother of Juneteenth, contributed to the national recognition of the holiday. In honor of Lee's legacy, Armstrong has initiated the Perseverance Quilt Project. People were invited to sign a quilt square or write a message, and a master quilter will piece together the squares. The finished quilt will be presented to the Board of Supervisors.