- October 30, 2021
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NAACP President Shelley T. Ragsdale and Joy Ragsdale. Photo by Danny Broadhurst.
African American Cultural Society President Joseph Matthews and Guest Speaker City of Palm Coast Mayor David Alfin with the City of Palm Coast proclamation for 'Juneteenth Day.' Photo by Danny Broadhurst.
Sheryl and Kevin Lineda. Photo by Danny Broadhurst.
Debra Shelton of LegalShield. Photo by Danny Broadhurst.
Leaa enjoying a Kona Ice. Photo by Danny Broadhurst.
The Cosmic Hippie's Amber and Dillan. Photo by Danny Broadhurst .
A community prayer initiates the Juneteenth event at the African American Cultural Society's Palm Coast event. Photo by Danny Broadhurst.
Juneteenth was a colorful celebration, with many vendors and guests including reenactor Calvin McNeil. Photo by Danny Broadhurst.
African American Cultural Society President Joseph Matthews and Guest Speaker City of Palm Coast Mayor David Alfin. Photo by Danny Broadhurst.
Guest Speaker City of Palm Coast Mayor David Alfin addresses the guests. Photo by Danny Broadhurst
Guest Speaker City of Palm Coast Mayor David Alfin reads aloud the City of Palm Coast's proclamation for 'Juneteenth Day'. 18th June, 2022. Photo by Danny Broadhurst.
Reenactor Calvin McNeil, who has crossed the Delaware in winter in a long boat, a number of times.
Dancers from the Royal Pointe Dance Academy of Daytona Beach. Photo by Danny Broadhurst.
Denise Calderwood, Flagler County Commission Candidate, Maria Bosley, goddaughter of Shirley Chisolm, the first Black woman elected to the United States Congress and who was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom
A packed hall for the event. Photo by Danny Broadhurst.
A young fan of local author Barbara Solomon. Photo by Danny Broadhurst.
Flagler Pharmacy was onsite and offered free COVID testing, vitamins, and blood pressure and glycol testing. Dr. Pat Patel, Mattie Heyward of Flagler Pharmacy and Carolyn Williams of Interim Home Health. Photo by Danny Broadhurst.
Sims E. Jones volunteered time and technical support for the event with a sound system. Sims noted that "Juneteenth is a time of love and friendship..." Photo by Danny Broadhurst .
Laura La Beur of St. Johns River Water Management District. Photo by Danny Broadhurst.
Author Barbara Solomon's titles include "Kimathi and His Journey into Manhood," "The Girl Who Wanted to Become a Princess" and others. Photo by Danny Broadhurst.
Pastor Phillip King, Charmaine Peden and Tisa Handberry. Photo by Danny Broadhurst.
Representing the Jerusalem Grand Chapter Order of the Eastern Star from Bunnell, Sister Marie Smith, Worthy Matron Sister Latisha Jackson and Sister Bettye Barbero. Photo by Danny Broadhurst.
Kimberly Emanuel, Jaiyse Williams, Shawna Hester, Yolonda Williams and Patience Williams. Photo by Danny Broadhurst.
Eden Underwood-Motley of EM Photography. Photo by Danny Broadhurst.
African American Cultural Society Juneteenth Chair Imani Kinshasa displaying a new addition to the Society's collection: a Pinon Warstick. Kinshasa celebrated her birthday at the event. Photo by Danny Broadhurst.
Dr. Pam Jackson-Smith and associate of Jacksmith Coaching and Consulting were available during the event. Photo by Danny Broadhurst.
Singer Jaiyse Williams brought the event to a standstill with his incredible voice. Photo by Danny Broadhurst.
Singer Jaiyse Williams. Photo by Danny Broadhurst.
Volunteers greeting the attendees at the event. Photo by Danny Broadhurst.
Membership Committee Jean Tanner and Mamie Godfry. Photo by Danny Broadhurst.
Owner of Pho'Nessa Catering Vanessa Lao, and Amanda Lopez and Andrew and Logan Kamtheaing. Photo by Danny Broadhurst.
Event attendee's Betty Donaldson, Vetta Bess-Dukes, Thea Hines-Jones and Anita Jackson of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. Photo by Danny Broadhurst.
Mickey and Gale Ulmer won a prize from the Family Life Center at the event. Photo by Danny Broadhurst.
Family Life Center's Brianna Miller, Jordan Manning and Alonzo Miller. Photo by Danny Broadhurst.
The Bouncy House was popular with the little ones. Photo by Danny Broadhurst.
Peak hour traffic in the Bouncy House at the event. Photo by Danny Broadhurst.
Friends and fun at the African American Cultural Society event in Palm Coast. Photo by Danny Broadhurst.
Kona Ice and Diana Perkins, keeping everyone cool at the event. Photo by Danny Broadhurst.
School Board Candidate Courtney Vandebundt and family having fun at the Juneteenth event. Photo by Danny Broadhurst.
Russell Flowers and Thais Flowers of Coozies Catering. Photo by Danny Broadhurst.
Leonard and Diana Beecher at the Juneteenth event. Photo by Danny Broadhurst
David and Mary Smith having fun at the Juneteenth event. Photo by Danny Broadhurst.
Juneteenth, also known as Emancipation Day, is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans and is observed for celebrating African American culture. Originating in Galveston, Texas, it has been celebrated annually on June 19 in various parts of the United States since 1865. The day was recognized as a federal holiday on June 17, 2021, when President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law.
On Saturday, June 18, 2022, Palm Coast Mayor David Alfin presented the African American Cultural Society with a city proclamation naming the date "Juneteenth Day."
The AACS was established 31 years ago to preserve and perpetuate the cultural heritage of African Americans through educational, artistic, intellectual and social activities and services deemed to be in the best interests of the entire community. All are welcome.
Joseph Matthews has been the president of the AACS in Palm Coast since 2016. Matthews noted that the AACS Education Committee was instrumental in getting a Black history credit in the curriculum in the education system of the state of Florida. He also acknowledged the continuing existence of racism in Flagler County, the last Florida county to end segregation. In earlier days, local members of AACS were tasked with standing guard during the construction of the local buildint to prevent vandalism and to ensure completion of the structure.
More information regarding society membership, the efforts to combat racism and its other goals can be found at https://aacspalmcoast.org/.
