Reading comes together to celebrate with education, unity, and purpose
Updated June 28, 2025 to include a reflection from organizer Sherilla Lestrade.
(6-7 minute read)
On Saturday, June 21, the Reading community gathered on the Town Common for the annual Juneteenth Freedom Festival, commemorating the day in 1865 when enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, learned of their freedom - two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation. More than just a celebration, the festival served as a powerful opportunity to honor the resilience, contributions, and brilliance of the Black community.
The day began with a welcome from Reading’s Director of Equity and Social Justice, Albert Pless, followed by a moving rendition of the Black National Anthem, Lift Every Voice and Sing, performed by students from Reading Memorial High School (RMHS).
SOCA4EJI students sing the Black National Anthem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing” during the Juneteenth Freedom Festival on June 21, 2025. Video by Taylor Gregory.
The event offered an engaging mix of entertainment, education, and community building, drawing residents of all ages into a deeper appreciation of Juneteenth and its ongoing significance.
A day rich with community, culture, and conversation
Attendees explored a vibrant marketplace featuring Black-owned businesses and creators, including:
Fusion Dolls, offering multicultural dolls
Beauté Noir, skincare and cosmetics
Awkward Auntie, known for bold, empowering designs
Cultural Findings, a curated collection of cultural goods
African Authentics, celebrating African heritage
The Common was also alive with music by DJ OxMighty, lawn games, face painting by Imani Ziyad and Laura Richards, and an interactive drumming session led by Brandon Guilleromo.
Local organizations like CATO: The Coalition of Us, the North Reading Human Rights Group, Students of Color and Allies for Equity, Justice, and Inclusion (SOCA4EJI), and the Ad Hoc Commemoration Establishment (ACE) Committee offered education, resources, and opportunities for deeper engagement.
Learning and reflection
At the heart of this year’s event was a powerful educational session that encouraged attendees to go beyond celebration and reflect on Juneteenth’s broader implications. Two short videos served as conversation starters, followed by discussion questions.
The first video, titled “What is Juneteenth, and why is it important? - Karlos K. Hill and Soraya Field Fiorio”, is on the Ted-Ed Youtube channel. Following the video, participants were given a chance to converse with one another to ponder the following questions:
Is Juneteenth a time for celebration?
What does this recognition mean for Black communities, as far as Juneteenth is concerned?
Why do you feel it’s taken this long for Juneteenth to become recognized outside of Texas? And what can we do to ensure that it and other events in Black history don’t get erased?
The second video, titled “Why all Americans should honor Juneteenth”, is on the Vox Youtube channel. Similarly, participants were given the following questions to discuss:
How do we make sure Juneteenth becomes more than a moment, more than a monument, and instead becomes a call to action?
What are the biggest challenges we still face in our society related to racial justice, and how can we help our children to understand, respect, and aim for a more equitable society?
Organizers said the discussion prompted honest and heartfelt dialogue among a diverse group of participants. “This picture in the room is at the educational session at the church - I said to myself, if we could get his cross-section together regularly, we could eliminate a lot of misconceptions about race, gender, sexual orientation, and age,” said Albert Pless.
Group photo of the participants who attended the Juneteenth educational session at the Old South United Methodist Church on Satuday, June 21, 2025. Photo by Taylor Gregory.
Speeches, recognition, and purpose
The ACE Committee shared a statement of intent to honor former Reading resident Bill Russell, calling on the community to provide feedback and join their next public meeting on June 25.
ACE Committee delivering their Statement of Intent during the Juneteenth Freedom Festival on June 21, 2025. Video my Maddie Herrick.
Graduating RMHS seniors from SOCA4EJI were also recognized for their leadership and vision. As founding members of the group, they say a need for representation and stepped up to create lasting change in their school and community.
SOCA4EJI seniors recognized for their work in the past 4 years during the Juneteenth Freedom Festival on June 21, 2025. Video by Maddie Herrick.
Keynote speaker Jamele Adams brought unmatched energy with his message: Equal is Greater than Division. His interactive Soul Train line had everyone on their feet - from students to seniors, and even two Reading police officers who joined in the dancing. Adams invited attendees to share their personal purpose, encouraging reflections that ranged from a desire to educate future generations to commitments to building a more inclusive community.
Guest speaker, Jamele Adams, during the Juneteenth Freedom Festival on June 21, 2025. Video by Taylor Gregory.
Reflections from organizers
Aujanetta Stith-Nichols, a lead organizer of the event, called this year’s festival “filled with powerful and unforgettable moments.”
“The thoughtful and meaningful contributions from SOCA students brought depth and purpose to the day. The ACE Committee’s statement was affirming, the Scouts presenting the Juneteenth flag was moving, and ending with Jamele Adams’ words was the perfect close to a remarkable day. This celebration was a shining example of what we can accomplish together.”
She also extended heartfelt gratitude to all who made the day possible - volunteers, vendors, library staff, Town employees, and especially the planning team: Sherilla Lestrade, Anna Cuevas, Reggie Nichols, and the Reading Public Library’s Amy Lannon, who she called “a support from the very beginning.”
Sherilla Lestrade, a longtime contributor to the event, also reflected on this year’s impact and evolution:
“This was my fifth year helping to organize Reading’s Juneteenth celebration, my first as a resident and community member, and the last four as a member of Partners and Allies for Inclusive Reading (PAIR), and as an advisor to Students of Color & Allies for Equity, Justice and Inclusion (SOCA4EJI). Over these years, I’ve seen this event evolve in powerful ways. What stood out most this year was how the students continue to lead with purpose. Their commitment and courage are the soul of this celebration.”
While acknowledging that this year’s crowd was smaller than in some past celebrations, Sherilla remains hopeful for the future.
“My vision is that our celebration will grow into something that other towns look to as a model, one that honors the past, engages with the present, and shapes a more just future. I hope we find even more ways to spark engagement among our youth and expand outreach in the months ahead.”
Albert Pless, Director of Equity and Social Justice, added his reflections:
“What stood out to me this year was how much people wanted to learn. In the past, Juneteenth has felt more like an outward celebration. This year, people were deeply engaged in the educational component. The event isn’t just for Black people - it’s for the entire Reading community. Black history is American history.”
He emphasized the importance of keeping these conversations alive beyond Juneteenth.
“If we learn from our history, we’ll understand each other better. And we have the power to shape that learning locally.”
Looking ahead
Reading’s Juneteenth Freedom Festival was more than a moment - it was a movement towards deeper connection, understanding, and shared purpose. As the community continues to celebrate, reflect, and act, the message of the day was clear: We all have a role in building a more inclusive and equitable future.
