Join us for the 2024 Juneteenth Celebration!

At Gateway Woods, we are committed to celebrating the spirit of Juneteenth with our at-risk youth community. Our mission is to commemorate the emancipation of enslaved African Americans and honor their resilience while fostering a sense of belonging, empowerment, and cultural pride among our young participants.

Schedule:

• 8 am - 9 am: 5K Arrival and Registration
• 9:30 am - 10:30 am: Juneteenth 5K
• 11 am:
  • Food Trucks (One Love, Ziffles, & Baby Got S'Mac)
  • Bounce Houses & Yard Games
• 12 pm: Speakers
• 1:30 pm: Music Begins (Fatima Washington & Band)
• 3 pm: Event Ends

The choice is yours (either way, we would love to see you there):

• Register for the 5K and stay for the day
  • Run, walk, or stroll the 3.1 mile, chip-timed 5K with other active Gateway supporters of all ages! There will be awards to top finishers in each age group. Bring the whole family (kids, strollers, and pets welcome)!
  • Register by May 22nd to guarantee a shirt in your size. Click here to register.

• Skip the 5K
  • If you're not a runner, do not fear, just sleep in a little later and arrive at 11 am for food trucks and yard games followed by speakers and music!

About Juneteenth:

Juneteenth is a blend of the two words "June" and "Nineteenth," and is now an official Federal Holiday in the United States. This day honors the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States after the end of the Civil War. Even though the Emancipation Proclamation took place, it wasn't until nearly two and a half years later that those enslaved in Texas were actually freed, once federal troops arrived to ensure it.

Through this Juneteenth celebration, we aim to provide a platform for education, reflection, and engagement, promoting awareness of the historical significance of Juneteenth and its relevance to contemporary social justice movements. By offering enriching activities, discussions, and performances rooted in faith-based values, we seek to inspire hope, unity, and positive transformation in the lives of our youth.

About LARC:

This is the 6th annual Juneteenth Celebration hosted by LARC. LARC stands for: “Linking to Attain Responsibility & Community”, and is a department within Gateway Woods committed to working alongside older youth who age out of the foster care and residential system.

We believe that by embracing the legacy of Juneteenth, we can empower our at-risk youth to recognize their inherent worth, amplify their voices, and contribute meaningfully to creating a more equitable and inclusive society. Together, let us commemorate Juneteenth with reverence, joy, and a shared commitment to justice, healing, and community upliftment.

Visit our LARC page to learn more about what we do.