June 27, 2024
President Biden signed legislation establishing June 19th as a federal holiday in 2021. Since then more people have learned about the celebratory day as well as the history and meaning of Juneteenth. Three years later Munster organizations hosted their inaugural programs to honor the day.
On June 18th, South Shore Arts hosted a free family workshop celebrating Juneteenth with a focus on the arts. Attendees participated in creating portraits of important historical figures, collages and painting activities.
On June 19th, Wilbur Wright Middle School buzzed with excitement and a sense of unity as residents gathered to honor the day commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States. The event was put together by the School Town of Munster’s IDEA team, which was created to promote inclusion, diversity, equity and awareness within the town and its schools.
Principal Bojan Jovanovic worked with the team which included the STM IDEA team and students from the MHS Black Culture Club to organize this year’s event. “We are a great community. Our diversity makes us great,” Jovanovic said. “The goal is always to bring us together to make us stronger. This is something near and dear to my heart and I want to make sure that ALL of our families know that we love them and care about them.”
Principal Jovanovic perches on a ladder to get a group photo of the inaugural event.
The event anticipated about 100 attendees and the event exceeded expectations with over 200 residents enjoying treats from food trucks and videos that highlighted the importance of the holiday. Children also had fun playing in the bounce house and participating in a coloring contest. The event has been well received by the residents, students and educators who attended. “I had so many people come up to me to tell how much fun they had and how they love that the school district has taken a leadership role in putting on this event. I personally met so many people who came up to me and told me they want to help next year,” Jovanovic said.
Both events were welcome additions to Munster’s vast lineup of community events that strive to bring the people of Munster together and organizers are already looking forward to continuing a new tradition. “This is just the start,” Jovanovic said. “Next year we are going to put together a team of volunteers to plan the event and make sure we make it bigger. The goal this year was to get it started.”
If residents are interested in being part of IDEA or the planning team for next year’s Juneteenth Celebration, they can Principal Jovanovic at bjovanovic@munster.us
