Ava C., 3, looks up to Brother Maceo, drumming artist, as children celebrate Juneteenth through music and art Friday at the Manatee County Central Library during the 7th annual Juneteenth Reading Conference created by Rosalyn Walton Education and Enrichment Services, Inc.
Tiffany Tompkins
ttompkins@bradenton.com
Bradenton
Juneteenth lessons came to life through storytelling, crafts and music on Friday at the Manatee Central Library.
Children crafted their own drums and colored Juneteenth flags while learning the history of the day in 1865 when enslaved African Americans in Texas learned that they had been freed as a result of the Civil War.
Friday’s activities are part of the celebration, which continues Saturday from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the 13th Avenue Dream Center, 922 24th St. E., in Bradenton. Events will include songs, a parade, poetry and more.
The Rosalyn Walton Education and Enrichment Services, Inc. led by Dr. Sharon Jefferson, promotes reading and literacy through this annual celebration.
Take a look at the photos.
Youmarlie Joseph, 8, and Christ Michel, 10, enjoy making Juneteenth flags Friday at the Manatee County Central Library during the 7th annual Juneteenth Reading Conference. Tiffany Tompkins ttompkins@bradenton.com
Dr. Sharon Jefferson, President of the Rosalyn Walton Education and Enrichment Services, Inc., leads activities for children. Tiffany Tompkins ttompkins@bradenton.com
Ezekiel Powell, 7, and Josiah Mooney, 7, Friday at the Manatee County Central Library during the 7th annual Juneteenth Reading Conference. Tiffany Tompkins ttompkins@bradenton.com
A child holds up a finished Juneteenth flag she colored on Friday at the Manatee County Central Library during the 7th annual Juneteenth Reading Conference. Tiffany Tompkins ttompkins@bradenton.com
Josiah Mooney, 7, plays a drum he crafted during the 7th annual Juneteenth Reading Conference. Tiffany Tompkins ttompkins@bradenton.com
Dr. Sharon Jefferson, President of the Rosalyn Walton Education and Enrichment Services, Inc., leads activities for children Friday. Tiffany Tompkins ttompkins@bradenton.com
Markell Thomas looks up while coloring his Juneteenth flag Friday at the Manatee County Central Library. Tiffany Tompkins ttompkins@bradenton.com
This story was originally published June 16, 2023 at 1:21 PM.
Tiffany Tompkins is the Bradenton Herald’s Visual Lead; shooting, editing and producing photographs and videos for the newspaper and online since 1999. Tiffany is a graduate of State College of Florida.
