Despite four recent fatal shootings, Augusta community comes together to celebrate Juneteenth

AUGUSTA, GA. (WJBF)- Sunday, many have a good time Juneteenth– a vacation that focuses on the liberty and historical past of African-American individuals. 

The competition befell on the Augusta Widespread, however different elements of this city ache because it has seen two deadly shootings, all inside three blocks previously seven days, however a complete of 4 within the Augusta space. 

Town of Augusta feels each life misplaced, however right now they had been in a position to carry gentle to the true that means of what group means.

“The decision to motion on Juneteenth is attain again and pull in considered one of these younger people– considered one of these younger individuals who clearly wants the steerage, as a result of once more if we’re not, we’re letting our future disappear to the bullet,” District 1 Commissioner Jordan Johnson stated.

Band of Brothers’ organizers says they put this competition collectively for individuals to really feel like they’ve one thing to be part of. 

“And provides, uh, people who seem like myself, a venue. They didn’t have a venue and we help quite a lot of different issues so we made a venue obtainable and that is the result,” B.O.B. Member Herman O. King stated.

Johnson feels that if there’s a place for younger teenagers to occupy their time, there’s an opportunity that fewer tragedies may occur. 

“Come out right here and make investments locally, spend money on an adolescent as a result of for those who don’t spend money on a mentor program or spend money on an adolescent, we’re going to proceed to see people gunned down in the midst of the road. Having blood on the sidewalks in downtown is simply improper.”

However, regardless of the latest deadly occasions, residents say the Juneteenth Pageant was simply what the group wanted. 

“Can not let one particular person cease us from coming collectively like Juneteenth– that introduced us collectively right now– all we will do is proceed to indicate love and love will make a change,” Debra Campbell stated.

This federal vacation represents freedom, justice, and a life crammed with alternative– Johnson says that’s precisely what must be accomplished for Augusta’s individuals. 

“And that’s what I need our name to motion to be right now. I spoke up there in regards to the good issues locally, however I additionally stated attain again and pull– it’s on us,” Johnson stated.

The remainder of the day was spent having fun with meals, laughter, enjoyable occasions for the kids, and hope that similar to issues modified in 1865; they too will start trying up.

“It’s wonderful that we will look again to the place we got here from a protracted methods again and our struggles and all the pieces we went by way of. That is like the place our ancestors have prayed for one thing like this. So, it is a wonderful second,” Teddy Moore stated.

Within the face of all of it, locals really feel that occasions like these carry the group collectively just a bit nearer.