Photo by Deb Gau Members of Titambe West African Dance Ensemble performed dances and drum rhythms from a variety of West African cultures during Juneteenth celebrations at Independence Park.

MARSHALL — It was a joyful day, organizers said. But the events marking Juneteenth in Marshall also had a deeper meaning — and a call to action for inclusion in the community.

“Today we are gathered here with joy and hope as we celebrate a historic occasion in our nation, Juneteenth,” said Southwest Minnesota State University President Kumara Jayasuriya as he welcomed people to Juneteenth events in Marshall on Monday afternoon.

“This holds immense significance as we commemorate the emancipation of enslaved African Americans, and recognize the long and difficult journey towards freedom.”

A few different Juneteenth events were held in Marshall on Monday, including an afternoon of food, music and art in Independence Park.

Juneteenth commemorates the day slavery ended in Galveston, Texas, in 1865. While the Emancipation Proclamation was signed in 1863, the news that enslaved people were free didn’t reach all areas of the U.S. until after the end of the Civil War.

While Black communities in the U.S. have celebrated Juneteenth for many years, it was only made a federal holiday in 2021.

“The historical legacy of Juneteenth shows the value of never giving up in uncertain times,” Mayor Bob Byrnes said as he proclaimed Monday Juneteenth in the city of Marshall. Juneteenth was also a reminder of the work that still needed to be done, the proclamation said.

“Juneteenth is not just a commemoration of the past. It is a call to action for the present, and a beacon of hope for the future,” Jayasuriya said in his welcome speech. “It serves as a reminder that the fight for equality is far from over, and that we must remain vigilant in our pursuit of justice, fairness and unity.”

Events in the Independence Park got started with a performance by Titambe West African Dance Ensemble.

“It’s our second year in Marshall,” said Christian Adeti, artistic director of Titambe. This year the group brought more performers to the Juneteenth events, which allowed them to show both the men’s and women’s side of different dances, he said. “It makes it more exciting to come back here.”

Titambe’s mission was to share the heritage and cultures of West Africa, and engage people, said group member Maxwell Ayive.

Sharing music and dance was also a way to bring people together in unity, Adeti said. In addition to performing traditional drum rhythms and dances, members of Titambe also taught audience members a few steps on Monday.

George Taylor, co-chairperson of the Marshall Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Commission, said he was “extremely honored” to be part of this year’s Juneteenth events.

“Events like this bring the community closer together,” Taylor said. He also hoped that Juneteenth events would spark conversations among Marshall residents, and allow people to learn about each other.

“I think it’s a vital piece for our community,” said Marshall DEI co-chairperson Michele Knife Sterner.

Marshall had its first city-wide Juneteenth events last year.

“It’s exciting to be back for a second year,” Knife Sterner said. “Last year, we had a great turnout,” she said, with about 200 people coming to celebrations in the park.

Taylor, and speakers Monday afternoon, said Juneteenth isn’t only a day of celebration.

“It’s a day of reflection on creating a more inclusive community,” Taylor said.