TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) – The Manhattan community came together Saturday to celebrate freedom and togetherness during the Juneteenth weekend.<\/p>\n
The gathering featured music, free food and dancing lessons for all ages.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis particular day, you can just relax, come out in fellowship with your neighbors, and just have a great time,\u201d said Betti O\u2019, an event organizer.<\/p>\n
The main event of the day was the Unity Walk, something Betti hopes brings neighbors together as they stand shoulder to shoulder.<\/p>\n
\u201cWith this walk, we\u2019re in close proximity to each other, so we\u2019re challenging all the neighbors and families and friends to meet just one new person and just say hello,\u201d Betti said.<\/p>\n
The celebration also featured an interactive art piece where attendees could write down what they feel is their superpower.<\/p>\n
Taking place on Yuma Street, a historically Black district in Manhattan, it means a bit more when speaking of the past triumphs and hardships.<\/p>\n
\u201cDuring segregation, Yuma was the black community here in Manhattan and there are deep roots, deep history,\u201d said Sheila Ellis-Glasper, executive director of Black Entrepreneurs of the Flint Hills.<\/p>\n
A history both on Yuma Street and nationally should be remembered.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re just standing on the shoulders of our ancestors, and so Juneteenth is a time to really honor them, but also look toward the future,\u201d Ellis-Glasper said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt didn\u2019t come easily to everyone, and it certainly didn\u2019t come easy to us, but now that we have it, we\u2019re going to continue to celebrate,\u201d Betti said.<\/p>\n
Yuma Street has more events coming up, such as the Yuma Street Cultural Festival on Sunday, Sept. 6.<\/p>\n
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