To God be the glory for the good things he has done in us and through us.

The Salisbury-Rowan National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) was ecstatic to have the opportunity to host the 23rd Juneteenth celebration this year.

We are especially appreciative of our sponsors: The Blanche & Julian Robertson Family Foundation, the city of Salisbury, Hood Theological Seminary, town of East Spencer and Hotwire Communications. We also appreciate the donors, parade participants, program participants, performers, vendors and those who chose to spend the day with us, remembering the journey of our ancestors and expressing the joy of how far we have come.

Words cannot express how gratifying it was to have Mayor Al Heggins of Salisbury and Mayor Barbara Mallett of East Spencer not only issue a proclamation for the day but take time to address the crowd and enjoy the fellowship along with Spencer Mayor Pro Tem Sharon Hovis and a couple of Salisbury City Council members.

Thanks so much to all who participated. Without your support, it would have been difficult to make this happen.

It was certainly a day for African-Americans to celebrate their freedom, culture and achievements with fun, food, family, friends, music, dancing and entertainment. It was also a day for all Americans to celebrate African-Americans in American history and rejoice in their freedom. However, it is imperative that we not ignore the many issues that we must still confront in order to realize full freedom and justice for all.

—Yolanda Woods

Salisbury

Woods is chairman of the local NAACP’s Juneteenth Committee.