Young Women Bringing New Energy and New Ideas to Juneteenth !

By Starr Funderburg

Pictured above are some amazing young women breaking barriers and bringing new ideas to the Juneteenth of Buffalo Festival!

Juetaun Drewitt, Juneteenth Board Member. Active on the Juneteenth Board of Directors since January 2023 and a volunteer since 2016. "I believe Juneteenth is a necessary reminder for me to keep pushing in becoming my best self, for my ancestors and for those who will come after me. My grandmother took me to my first Juneteenth 46 yrs ago, and I can still hear the pride in her voice of being able to participate in a celebration of us as a people. "

Jaime Swygert,Agricultural Pavilion Chairwoman. Founder of the Juneteenth Agricultural Pavilion as a space dedicated to agricultural education, especially lifting up the contributions and innovations of African Americans in farm science and entrepreneurship. "My vision was to create a space where black and brown people could convene and gather community resources, historical education, access career information, learn about food equity, justice and policy."

Zandra A. Cunningham

Youth Committee Chairwoman. The driving force behind an entirely new section of the festival devoted exclusively to youth coordinating a range of activities, including (but not limited to) sporting events, food giveaways, STEAM activities, contests and so much more specifically catered to younger attendees. This year will also feature the festival's first youth entrepreneurship vendor section! “This is my second year as the Arts & Culture Chair. What guests can expect this year is a healing, resilient and community celebration. It will be yet another soulful family affair this year's Juneteenth weekend at the Arts & Culture Stage 2023."

Bree Hassan , Arts & Culture Chairwoman .“This is my second year as the Arts & Culture Chair. What guests can expect this year is a healing, resilient and community celebration. We will be setting intentions for a sacred and joyous vibe. It will be yet another soulful family affair this year's Juneteenth weekend at the Arts & Culture Stage 2023. Come check us out!!!”