MADERA, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – Community members and elected officials gathered for a day of song, prayer, and recognition as the sixth annual Juneteenth celebration in the City kicked off with Gospelfest.
Madera City Council Member Anita Evans says as the first black city councilwoman, she was inspired by the late Mayor Santos Garcia to create an event to celebrate Juneteenth. Six years later, Evans says the event is bigger than ever before, “by the grace of God.”
“I am so elated right now,” Evans said. “I have absolutely no words.”
According to Evans, gospel music has a strong, rich history in Black African American culture…