By Sandi Schwartz
This year, June 19th was extra special. For the first time in history, Juneteenth National Independence Day was recognized as a federal holiday when President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law on June 17, 2021. This holiday commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans, and is often observed as a way to celebrate African-American culture.
In our community, the Stop The Burn Campaign supported some of the local Glades leaders we work with in putting on the second annual Muckteenth Juneteenth Celebration. This family-friendly event was held at Nature Park in South Bay Florida. It was also streamed online. You can view a recording of the event here.
Our member Sheila Calderon attended virtually and was pleased she had that opportunity. “I was very impressed with the speakers who addressed their heritage and spoke from the heart. They all were very happy to be a part of the Glades community and spoke about their parents and grandparents before them who had settled in the area,” she explained. She was very encouraged by the way they were inspiring the younger generation to set their goals to complete their education and move on up.
“We all know the illnesses they suffer from as a result of the pollution caused by the sugar industry, and yet they did not focus on that at all during this event,” she recalls. “Instead, they presented everything in a very positive manner, looking forward to the future to make their lives and their children's and grandchildren’s future better.”
Member Mary Cassell also watched the celebration. “The most remarkable impression I have is bearing witness to how exceptionally interconnected and unified the tri-city Glades area is.” She hopes they continue to partner with groups like ours to support them in their quest for a healthier, cleaner, and more equitable environment.
There were several awards presented at the event. Iyanni Phillips was one of the recipients. She is the daughter of Kina Green-Phillips, environmental activist and founder of her own non-profit, Queendom, Inc., who spoke to our group recently. Iyanni was Vice President of her class at Glades Central High School, held multiple officer positions in school clubs and organizations, and was an honor student. She is a true community leader. As a graduating senior, she earned over 5,000 community service hours and over $30,000 in college scholarships. Congratulations to all the award recipients!
Finally, we have to give a round of applause to Patrick Ferguson, Sierra Club staff who serves as the Stop the Burn Organizing Representative. He has made every effort to bring the Glades community a safer, healthier life free of the air pollution resulting from the burning of sugar cane. He works tirelessly to have the industry change over to Green Harvesting. Hopefully, by the next Juneteenth Celebration the Glades communities will also be celebrating clean air resulting from Patrick's efforts!
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