STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Despite the rain, the fourth annual Juneteenth Parade & Festival stepped off early Saturday afternoon with a procession from Fort Wadsworth and down Bay Street, which ended with a community event in Tappen Park in Stapleton.
“I am extremely blessed that God sought fit for us to continue in the rain, it’s ok, we still showed up,” said Dorcas Meyers, founder of Roc-A-Natural Cultural Foundation, who organizes the event each year. “I thank family and friends that came out and didn’t let the rain stop them. This is all about unity and celebration. We are here to commemorate.”
Beneath umbrellas it was all smiles as the event celebrated Black history and culture. Among the parade’s floats were those that honored Black leaders from history who continue to inspire, such as entrepreneur Madam C.J. Walker and abolitionist Harriet Tubman…