By Hilda M. jordan
I’m a first-generation American—both of my parents are immigrants, but I was born in New York a Black American of Caribbean and Latin descent. Through its community programs, church choirs, and summer events Utica raised. And I returned home, as a social equity consultant, facilitator and speaker, to support highlighting and organizing the very values of equity, people, and programs that this Juneteenth in Utica celebration uplifts.
Why I Celebrate Juneteenth
Juneteenth is the kind of celebration that reminds me who we are and who we can be. I celebrate Juneteenth because it gives me hope in the American ideals of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness—while grounding me in the truth that freedom has always required sacrifice, collaboration, love, and a deep commitment to something bigger than ourselves. Juneteenth is known as Freedom day because it is the day that acknowledges the historical truth of when all Americans were legally free. It creates for me a full-bodied celebration of freedom without pretense and historical erasure of the fact that our country claimed equality and freedom in 1776 while still enslaving millions.
Growing up, it was rare to see Black people gather, sing, and simply be free outside of church or family reunions. But that’s what Mid-Utica Neighborhood Preservation Corporation’s (MUNPC) Juneteenth celebration facilitated for me, and in a multiracial community. In 2015, I attended my first Juneteenth celebration in Utica as a high school volunteer, on invitation from the founder and living legend Robbie Dancy. This was my first experience of really being in community locally beyond family. Between volunteering and picking up trash, at least three people asked if I’d eaten yet, four more checked if I was okay, and I was invited to shuffle at least twice. I didn’t have to be “on” I was able to just be.
Who Is Juneteenth For?
Juneteenth is for everyone—especially Black Americans, descendants of the African diaspora, and anyone who has learned to embrace history as something alive. When Robbie Dancy helped revive Utica’s celebration in 2015, it was about honoring Black heritage through music, community, and togetherness. The goal? Not performance—presence, fellowship and community.
How Can You Celebrate Juneteenth?
You can celebrate on your own by learning more about Juneteenth, Black History or supporting a local Black-owned business, restaurant as you reflect on how your freedom has always been intertwined with others. But if you’re in Utica, you’re in for something special.
This year’s Juneteenth celebration is three days long and filled with history, art, music, and soul food. Here’s the lineup:
📅 Thursday, June 19 — History, Art, and Talent
12–3 PM: Back 2 the Bricks @ St. Matthew’s Temple, 110 Washington St
Oral storytelling, archives, a presentation of Utica’s Black history, and the 2005 portrait project of Washington Courts.
12–4 PM: Talent Show @ City Hall, 1 Kennedy Plaza
Live music, dance, spoken word, and community showcases.
5–7 PM: Juneteenth @ Munson, 310 Genesee Street
Poetry, live dancing, and local artist exhibits.
🍽️ Friday, June 20 — Soul, Song, and Spirit
12–4 PM: Soul Food Fish Fry @ St. Paul’s Baptist Church, 219 Leah St
6–8 PM: Gospel Choir Concert @ St. Paul’s Baptist Church, 219 Leah St
🎉 Saturday, June 21 — The Big Festival
12–8 PM: MUNPC’s 9th Annual Juneteenth Festival @ Kemble Park, 102 James St
– 30+ Local vendors and organizations
– 15-piece bands, line dancing, and kids’ zone
– Add your family’s story to Utica’s 200-year Black history timeline
Let’s Celebrate Together
Whether you’re celebrating with MUNPC, Munson, For the Good, or from your own backyard, Juneteenth is a chance to show up, learn, and celebrate the Black legacy that defines our shared American story. If you know of more events or stories we should uplift, send them my way—I’d love to help amplify them: hilda@hmjequityconsulting.com
Read more about Upstate NY’s Culture & Diversity including business and organization listings HERE.
