Sanal Owens, a rising senior at Cabarrus Kannapolis Early College and vice president of the Black Student Union, presented plans for a Juneteenth celebration at Harrisburg Park during a recent town council meeting. The event, scheduled for Saturday, June 22, from 11 AM to 2 PM, aims to honor the historical significance of Juneteenth, which marks the emancipation of enslaved people in the United States.

Owens explained that while the Emancipation Proclamation was issued in 1863, many enslaved individuals remained unaware of their freedom until June 19, 1865. The celebration will not only commemorate this pivotal moment in history but also highlight the contributions of African American culture to American society.

The event will feature music, games, food trucks, kids' crafts, and local small business vendors, all aimed at fostering community engagement. Owens emphasized the importance of bringing the community together, stating that a successful outcome would be seeing diverse groups unite to celebrate a significant historical event.

The council members expressed support for the initiative, with one member inquiring about Owens' goals for the event. She reiterated her desire for community cohesion and recognition of the historical importance of Juneteenth.

The meeting concluded with an invitation for public comments, allowing residents to voice their thoughts and support for the upcoming celebration.