DEWITT, NY(NCC News) — Music, food, and fellowship filled Ryder Park on Wednesday as the town of Dewitt hosted its annual Juneteenth Freedom Day celebration. But for many in attendance, the event wasn’t just about celebration, it was about standing firm in the face of political pushback.
“During this time, there’s such a pushback,” said Judy Rudolph, a member of the Dewitt Committee for Democrats. “I think it’s more important than ever to say no, we’re not going back. We’re going to stand up for what we believe in and we’ve got a long way to go.”
President Donald Trump, now in his second term, is working to dismantle federal diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. He also downplayed the holiday’s history, back in 2020 saying, “I did something good: I made Juneteenth very famous. It’s actually an important event, an important time. But nobody had ever heard of it.”
But speakers at the Dewitt celebration made it clear: Juneteenth is about much more than federal recognition or political commentary.
“Laws do not legislate consciousness and equality,” said Rev. Dr. H. Bernard Alex of Victory Temple Fellowship Church. “That comes from the heart, and if it’s not in your heart, they can pass all the laws they want to.”
Families and local leaders gathered for music, food, and even a flag raising, reflecting on the legacy of Juneteenth while defending its importance in today’s political climate.
Dr. Alex summed it up simply: “Let’s eat. Let’s celebrate and let’s love. Why? Because we are better together.”
VIDEO TRANSCRIPT: Dewitt celebrates Juneteenth amid national push back on DEI
Kobe Scales, Reporter: In the town of Dewitt music, food and celebration fill Ryder Park. But for many here, Juneteenth is more than a party. It’s a call to remember history and protect the progress made since.
Judy Rudolph: During this time, there’s such a push back, I think it’s more important than ever to say no we’re not going back, we’re going to stand up for what we believe in, and we’ve got a long ways to go.
Scales: President Trump is gutting DEI programs and once said, “I made Juneteenth very famous” but this day isn’t about him. It’s bigger than the legislation.
Dr. H. Bernard Alex: Laws do not legislate consciousness and equality. That comes from the heart, and if its not in your heart, they can pass all the laws they want to
Scales: Here in Dewitt at Juneteenth Freedom Day, and today is all about culture, community, and progress. While some of the nation’s leaders have pushed to roll back DEI initiatives and even questioned the integrity of Juneteenth, here they say today is more important than ever. We are better together.
Alex: When there is a collective of all people, not just a thought, that’s the frightening thing, we are better when we come together.
Scales: Despite the political climate the people of Dewitt choose joy and remembrance with speeches food and shared traditions
Alex: Lets eat. Let’s celebrate, let’s love, why? Because we are better together”
Scales: In Dewitt, Kobe Scales, NCC News.