Juneteenth

Citizen Potawatomi Nation Chairman John “Rocky” Barrett and Vice Chairman Linda Capps drape a blanket on the shoulders of the Grandmother of Juneteenth, Opal Lee. Chairman Barrett said, “The giving of a blanket carries more than just the giving of a gift. If you’re given a blanket, in Potawatomi tradition it means that we’re going to keep your memory warm in our hearts from now on.” Lee kept the blanket on throughout the rest of the event. Countywide & Sun/Suzie Campbell

Citizen Potawatomi Nation Chairman John “Rocky” Barrett and Vice Chairman Linda Capps drape a blanket on the shoulders of the Grandmother of Juneteenth, Opal Lee. Chairman Barrett said, “The giving of a blanket carries more than just the giving of a gift. If you’re given a blanket, in Potawatomi tradition it means that we’re going to keep your memory warm in our hearts from now on.” Lee kept the blanket on throughout the rest of the event. Countywide & Sun/Suzie Campbell

The Grandmother of Juneteenth Visits Shawnee

Suzie Campbell
Thursday, August 25, 2022
Opal Lee is known as the Grandmother of Juneteenth. On Saturday, Aug. 20, she spoke about Juneteenth at a public event hosted by the Citizen Potawatomi Nation at the Cultural Heritage Center. Opal Lee is not only a national figure, but as of Saturday morning, she is a finalist for the Nobel Prize.
Team "Grandpappy's Favorites" - Payton Row, left, and Alexis Slabaugh - plays in the Juneteenth Pickleball Tournament, held on June 18 at OBU's Recreation and Wellness Center. "Grandpappy's Favorites" took second in Bracket B. Countywide & Sun/Natasha Dunagan

Team "Grandpappy's Favorites" - Payton Row, left, and Alexis Slabaugh - plays in the Juneteenth Pickleball Tournament, held on June 18 at OBU's Recreation and Wellness Center. "Grandpappy's Favorites" took second in Bracket B. Countywide & Sun/Natasha Dunagan

Juneteenth Pickleball Tournament Is Successful

Natasha Dunagan
Thursday, June 23, 2022
The Juneteenth Pickleball Tournament was held for the first time on June 18 at OBU’s Recreation and Wellness Center. It was organized by Shawnee Forward and the Dunbar Heights Community to add to the Juneteenth Celebration.
Several people walk in the Juneteenth Parade on Shawnee's Main Street, June 18. This was the second year that Juneteenth was a federal holiday, although it has been celebrated since 1866. This year's celebration also included a prayer service, history presentation, domino competition, storytelling, and a program that included musical performances, a fashion show, and speakers. Shawnee Forward also worked with the Dunbar Heights Community to hold a Pickleball Tournament at OBU.

Several people walk in the Juneteenth Parade on Shawnee's Main Street, June 18. This was the second year that Juneteenth was a federal holiday, although it has been celebrated since 1866. This year's celebration also included a prayer service, history presentation, domino competition, storytelling, and a program that included musical performances, a fashion show, and speakers. Shawnee Forward also worked with the Dunbar Heights Community to hold a Pickleball Tournament at OBU.

Juneteenth Celebration Includes Parade, Prayer Service

Natasha Dunagan
Thursday, June 23, 2022
Photos by Countywide & Sun/ Natasha Dunagan Several people walk in the Juneteenth Parade on Shawnee’s Main Street, June 18. This was the second year that Juneteenth was a federal holiday, although it has been celebrated since 1866.