History and community were highlighted at an inaugural Juneteenth event Saturday, June 20. Families and friends gathered at 61 Waterfall Road in Richmond to observe the holiday.
On June 19, 1865, Black enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, learned the Civil War had ended and that the Emancipation Proclamation had abolished slavery two and half years earlier. Merging the month and date, Juneteenth was celebrated regionally before becoming a federal holiday on June 17, 2021.
United Steelworkers Local 1563 member, T’ea Tate, said she planned the occasion to fill a void.
“I know there usually was one [event] in town, but given the DEI laws, organizations can’t do it anymore,” said Tate.
According to Congress.gov, 2025 Indiana Senate Bill 235 prohibited colleges and universities from funding programs and offices related to diversity, equity and inclusion. As a result, past Juneteenth events hosted by Ivy Tech and other state agencies ended.
Tate said the event is a place where people can get out, come together and support local businesses — especially Black businesses that may not get as much recognition.
“They deserve to promote themselves,” said Tate. Vendors included Muncie’s Walker Wood-Stove BBQ, a henna artist and bracelet-making, along with a DJ and free hamburgers and hot dogs.
Cece Hargrove wanted to give back to the community. The aspiring cosmetologist offered temporary body art tattoos.
Grey Garcia came because she said it’s important that Black people have space for events like this. She hopes it grows bigger next year.
A version of this article appeared in the June 24 2026 print edition of the Western Wayne News.
