POTSDAM – More than 500 people attended the second annual Juneteenth Celebration hosted by Black Lives Matter Potsdam NY and the Potsdam Juneteenth Organizing Committee on June 19 at Ives Park.

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Attendees enjoyed a day of engaging culture discussions regarding Black history. Black culture, a Black Beauty Fashion Show featuring 21 children and adults modeling traditional African clothing. A special guest appearance by Reggae and R&B recording artist D Major was a surprise feature facilitated by the Adirondack Diversity Initiative, delighting the energetic crowd.

Three local civil rights leaders and a young civil rights activist were honored for their work to improve racial equality in St. Lawrence County during the cultural event.

BLM Potsdam Founder Jennifer Baxtron was honored with Clarkson University’s Phalanx Commendable Leadership Award for her leadership, tirelessly advocating for equality and civil rights justice in the county. Clarkson’s Erik Backus presented Baxtron with the award that honors those who display exemplary leadership skills in the community.

“I just pray that each and every one of you, including the colleges, make sure that you don’t only say that Black Lives Matter. I want you to show that Black Lives Matter” she said in her acceptance speech.

Dr. John Youngblood, SUNY Potsdam Communications Professor, was awarded The Juneteenth Community Activist Award for his dedication to ensuring the North Country is a welcoming place for all people. Dr. Youngblood is a well-known diversity advocate renowned for his coalition building skills, bringing diverse groups together to promote understanding between people of all walks of life.

He stated that he believes if people can accept each other’s backgrounds and cultures then maybe one day soon we can truly live in peace and with love.

The late Dr. Lonel Woods, who served as Dean and a Voice Professor at the SUNY Potsdam Crane School of Music, was posthumously presented the Diversity Advocate Award. Dr. Woods' former student Allison Marie performed “Rise Up” by musical artist Andrea Day to honor the legacy of her former professor and mentor.

Baxtron presented young Adrianna Dupre with the Recognition of Courage Award. During the Potsdam rallies demanding justice for George Floyd, Dupre stood up to voice her experiences of dealing with racism as a student enrolled in a St. Lawrence County area public school and living in the North Country as a biracial teenager.

The event organizing committee states: “All four exemplify the ethos of the Juneteenth Celebration in this modern civil rights era, seeking to bring all people together while acknowledging both America’s true history and its implications in our own times.”

The annual Potsdam Juneteenth Celebration committee is already planning for the 2022 event and encouraging community participation. Contact them at PotsdamJuneteenth@gmail.com.