Sierra Vista, Arizona (KGUN) — Juneteenth is a day of African-American emancipation and is widely recognized as the oldest celebration of the end of legal slavery in the United States.

“When Juneteenth became a national holiday, that’s when everything started to grow and get bigger,” Suzette Johnson said. It is truly a blessing. “

The NAACP Greater Huachuka Chapter held a Juneteenth event for the community on Monday. The event focused on embracing the cultures and identities of all peoples through education, vendors and music. Vendors ranged from community organizations to artisans creating African-inspired clothing and jewelry.

“This is a celebration of our freedom and a time for all people, not just people of color, to come together to fellowship, unite and love,” Johnson said.

These events paid tribute to African culture and traditions. One of the activities that participants were able to participate in was a balloon release ceremony in memory of their deceased family members. The group went outside and released red, black, green and yellow balloons into the sky in honor of their ancestors.

Sierra Vista Mayor Claire McCar read the proclamation at an event Monday, introducing her as the city’s first African-American mayor. He said he was honored to receive the title, but just as Juneteenth celebrates all cultures, it’s important to serve everyone.

“It’s an honor and an honor just to celebrate. Yes, I’m the first African-American mayor, but I’m a mayor for all people, all cultures, all races,” McCa said. . It’s not black, it’s not white. No color. I am the mayor of Sierra Vista. “

The event ended with a children’s basketball tournament and soccer toss.