Staten Island’s Juneteenth: A parade, performances, cultural celebrations and a visit from Mayor Adams

By Priya Shahi

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Although Juneteenth 2023 will officially be marked on Monday, a weekend full of Staten Island events kicked off at midday on Saturday under sparklingly sunny skies.

Among the day’s highlights: Black liberation and unity were the theme of a borough parade, which made its way down Bay Street; Snug Harbor was the site of a cultural celebration, attended in part by Mayor Adams; and Tappen Park was transformed to mark the day with community resources, vendors and performances.

At Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden, Juneteenth celebrations were also rolling.

The Staten Island Community Alliance (SICA) held their third annual Juneteenth festival at the South Meadow lawn of the cultural organization’s Livingston campus.

The all-day event was full of activities and entertainment –- drummers, dancers, singers, spoken-word poets, candle lighting ceremony and a libation honoring the ancestors.

Councilwoman Kamillah Hanks, state senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton and public advocate Jumaane Williams also attended.

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