By Bella Caggiano 

The original mission of the Juneteenth holiday is to commemorate and educate the freedom of slaves in America. It is also a time to celebrate diverse cultures that were brought to or reside in the United States and rejoice in their music, food, and traditions. And in true Norwood fashion, this collective event has grown over three years, thanks to local residents and businesses, and initial organizer, Norwood Police Officer Geoffrey Baguma, and his committee, Jua Robinson, Recreation Director Sam White, Morrill Memorial Library Director Clayton Cheever, and Leshia Karasik.

“It’s an excellent opportunity for the town to come together and learn together while celebrating the federal holiday of Juneteenth,” Officer Baguma said. 

The Norwood Town Common will again be filled with eating, dancing, and singing, for the 4th Annual Juneteenth celebration on Saturday, June 14, 12:30-3:30 p.m. Bring comfortable shoes, chairs, and an appetite as the fun-filled afternoon for all ages. With many news acts this year, the afternoon will include many musical and tasteful options, such as Further Notice, Caleb McCoy, DJ Beez (Derrick Beasley), talented Norwood High School and Coakley Middle students, and much more! There will also be a variety of fare to try from Rincon Caribeno, Between the Bunz, Oasis Caribbean Cuisine, Crazy Tacos, Simple Sweets, and a Lewis’ beer garden! 

“The event is always family friendly and will include activities: a basketball hoop area which will be run by the NHS girls basketball team coach, an inflatable obstacle course, Henna and face painting, and a ball pit for a few examples,” Officer Baguma said. 

Juneteenth, short for June 19, the day of the liberation, commemorates the date when federal troops marched into Galveston, TX, in 1865, two and a half years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation to ensure the freedom of slaves. On June 17, 2021, it officially became a national holiday honoring the end of slavery in the United States. 

“Every year that we put together Norwood Juneteenth, the goal is to always educate and celebrate,” Officer Baguma said. “This is and will always be a great opportunity to learn together. By learning together, we can understand each other better. With a greater understanding of each other, we can then celebrate our new found connection. 

As in previous years, members of the Norwood community will also be recognized with the Norwood Juneteenth Honors. These awards will go to people who have given back to and/or educated the community in the areas of inclusion and diversity. 

Vendors will also be present on the common to share information with the community. There still may be time for businesses and residents who may be interested in participating. Inquires can be directed through email at [email protected].

Lastly, events such as this require funding and volunteers. To donate and support this important and historic event for this year and future years, contribute to the Juneteenth Venmo account at handle/account@Norwood-Juneteenth. One hundred percent of donations go towards the event which can only be possible through the generosity of Norwood neighbors. 

“This year should be the best celebration year yet,” Officer Baguma said. “If you would like to become a volunteer, please reach out to the Norwood Juneteenth Committee at [email protected].”