Bluffton celebrates Juneteenth with drums, dance and diversity

By Gwyneth J. Saunders CONTRIBUTOR

Bluffton’s annual Juneteenth celebrations packed parking lots and picnic tables, and kept vendors busy serving up local dishes and delights for the eye.

Mobile chefs touted their wares at the second annual Black Food Truck Friday Festival in Commerce Park on Friday, June 16. The next day, Burnt Church Distillery hosted the eighth annual festivities.

Saturday’s activities began with singer John Simmons from the Hallelujah Singers opening with the Negro National Anthem. Mayor Lisa Sulka presented the town’s proclamation in honor of the celebration, and Town Councilman Dan Wood read the Emancipation Proclamation.

Other activities included a drum circle, African dancing, musical entertainment, and vendors offering crabs, clothing, candles and cakes.

Jazz aficionados were able to satisfy their passion on Sunday during a ticketed brunch featuring the 2D Experience, also at the Distillery.

Bridgette Frazier, founder of Bluffton’s Juneteenth celebrations and chair of the Bluffton MLK Observance Committee, said the celebration has grown in many ways since it became a three-day event.

“It’s growing extremely well each year. What we are starting to see from 2015 to now is that the diversity is changing. People are beginning to understand it’s not a Black event. I was really pleased to see folks from all cultures Friday and Saturday,” said Frazier, who also sits on the Bluffton Town Council. “Community participation of the event has been well received, and we are getting visitors from all over, from different states. I received an email from a gentleman who wanted directions and who drove four hours just to attend our event. We love hearing stuff like that.”

James Bradley and his wife, Contessa, from Florence, were in Bluffton celebrating their 24th anniversary, and attended the Saturday festivities.

“It’s a wonderful outlet that you can go back in your heritage. You can feel the connection,” he said. “You’re just watching the people and all of the love that they’re showing and they respect each other. And I think it’s a great way to take it back to the kids, and let them get an opportunity to share and see what their real heritage is all about.”

Sharing the heritage was the most appreciated part of the event.

“It’s wonderful to be recognized, and when true history is told, we feel seen,” said Jackie Jackson of Savannah.

“It’s a celebration. It’s an education as well,” said Jessica Battle of Guyton, Ga. “I love seeing a variety of people together, and all celebrating the same thing.”

Frazier said approximately 5,000 visitors attended the three-day celebration.