Lakewood holds Juneteenth event

Published on June 16, 2023

In honor of the holiday and in the spirit of celebrating equality, diversity and inclusion, the City of Lakewood organized a Juneteenth Lunch & Learn event, welcoming families to an author reading of the children’s book, "We May Be Different But We Can Come Together."

The event was held in advance of Juneteenth, on Sunday, June 11 at Mae Boyar Park’s community building.

Lakewood resident and educator Ama Darkwa Holmes, who has authored several children’s titles, read her book to an enthusiastic and engaged audience and participated in a Q&A session where everyone learned about her background and the motivation behind creating books with an inspiring message. Several copies of her books were raffled off to children, and Ama signed copies for anyone who purchased or won a book, leading to more lively conversations and discussions. 

Children took part in two learning activities related to the book. And lunch and dessert were catered by two Black-owned restaurants in Lakewood—R Kitchen Soul Food and Patty’s Cakes, Cobblers & Fried Chicken. 

“One thing that makes our country so great is that we have the power to change and become continually better and better,” Mayor Steve Croft shared in his welcoming remarks. “And one of those ways is by acknowledging the past. That’s why Lakewood now remembers Juneteenth, which commemorates the end of slavery and celebrates the embracing of diversity and harmony in our nation.”

Since 2020, the City of Lakewood has taken steps to open up a conversation with residents on related topics, called the Community Dialogue on Race, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, or REDI for short. Learn more about this community-wide dialogue and the resulting Action Plan by visiting www.lakewoodcity.org/REDI.

See the city proclamation honoring Juneteenth.