June 19 Declared “Juneteenth Day” with City of Winter Haven Proclamation
by James Coulter
To commemorate the city’s upcoming Juneteenth celebration this Saturday, the City of Winter Haven has declared June 19 to be “Juneteenth Day” through an official proclamation.
At their regular meeting on Mon. June 9, the City of Winter Haven issued an official proclamation commemorating “the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States” through the holiday of Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day.
“Juneteenth honors the resilience of the African American community and renews our collective commitment to justice, inclusion, and unity,” the proclamation read.
The proclamation likewise recognized the hard work and effort of the Juneteenth Celebration Committee, which has worked ” to highlight African American heritage through a modern celebration that educates, engages, and inspires the community.”
Zanjia Zow, a representative of the Juneteenth Celebration Committee, commended the city commission for recognizing her committee’s efforts in helping organize the city’s annual Juneteenth celebration.
“We extend our deepest thanks to the city of Winter Haven and its continued support to the community, the vendors, and the participants who make this celebration possible,” she said. “Your commitment helps us honor the past and build a more inclusive future together. Let this day inspire us to keep moving forward.”
Zow also highlighted the reason for Juneteenth, explaining how the national holiday recognized the struggle people of color have endured to ensure their freedom and equality as American citizens.
“What does freedom mean to you? And how do we ensure that it belongs to everyone?” she asked. “Juneteenth reminds us that while freedom was delayed, it was never denied. Today we stand in the legacy of strength, unity, and progress.”
Winter Haven’s Juneteenth Celebration will be hosted on June 14, 2025, from 10 AM to 4 PM at Lake Maude Recreation Park.
Natalie Wilson, Special Events Coordinator for the City of Winter Haven, recently appeared on the Chattin on the Ridge podcast to discuss the upcoming event. Listen to the full podcast here: https://shows.acast.com/chattin-on-the-ridge/episodes/ep-63-juneteenth-2025-wnatalie-wilson-sara-jones
