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BEAUFORT, S.C. () – The streets of Beaufort came alive today with people celebrating the Juneteenth King’s Day Unity event. Many attendees remarked on the event’s significance for the city.
“Historical” is how Co-founder of Project Freedom 326, Bam Robinson, described the 2nd annual Juneteenth parade.
Among the participants were Phyllis Smart and Shontell Johnson, natives of St. Helena Island and members of the Gullah Geechee community, who joined in the festivities for the first time this year.
“You could feel the electricity kind of in the air,” said Smart.
Approximately 40 parade floats made their way through Beaufort’s historic routes. Project Freedom 326 organizers highlighted that these were the same paths once frequented by notable figures of African American and Gullah Geechee heritage.
“We refer to ourselves as the Robert Smalls Men and Women of Action and just up the street is Prince Street, where his house still is.,” said Marlisha Robinson, Co-founder and Executive Director of Project Freedom 326. “This is also the area where Harriet Tubman walked the grounds and had a bakery. So, for us, this is amazing.”
Organizers said the support is growing in numbers. From last year to this year, they have already seen more folks interested in watching and participating in the parade.
Robinson said that has led to more people being open to understanding the culture and representation in Beaufort.
“We heard about it, and we really wanted to be a part of it to be able to share our history. We are originally from Saint Helena Island, where we are considered the Gullah Geechee people. So, this feels good. It feels right. It feels like it’s something that should be happening,” said Smart.
Marlisha said that was something they hoped to accomplish.
“It’s our job to tell our stories. Not all Gullah Geechee people are the same, but the thing is, we all support one community, different neighborhoods. That is our goal. So, we all want the same thing no matter what your ethnicity or nationality is. That’s why we celebrate unity.”
With the parade falling on Father’s Day, organizers explained that they also wanted to honor dads.
“And father figures,” said Marlisha. “You do not have to be a father to represent that, because we need stronger role models for African American young men coming up.”
Project Freedom 326 will also host their 5th annual Juneteenth Freedom Celebration, where they’ll be fundraising for sickle cell and heart health. That will take place in Port Royal on June 20th.
