SAVANNAH, Ga. () – From under a Savannah canopy, the community is honoring Juneteenth in a big way.

“What matters most is us uniting, with Black people coming together to share joy, laughter, and happiness in each other’s company,” expressed Marilyn Jackson, a Chairperson for the Daughters of Mary Magdalene.

Carolyn Scott, an attendee, shared her thoughts on the gathering, saying, “We need to unite and acknowledge each other and understand our shared purpose.”

The Daughters of Mary Magdalene and Savannah Building Futures hosted the event. Those in attendance were treated to vendors, live music and food.

“This day right here is a day for us to celebrate- but we still have a very very long way to go,” said Jackson.

As a host of the event, Marilyn Jackson is thrilled by the presence of young attendees. She hopes they will take the opportunity to learn history while having a good time.

“I just think about if it wasn’t for them where would we be now,” said Robert Dixon, an individual in attendance.

The individuals spoke with said they hope to take inspiration from the past and turn it into activism today.

“We gonna try, not to make the past right, but to make the future ours too,” said Carolyn Scott.

Jacson says her organization hopes to one day revamp the park and name it the Juneteenth Emancipation Park.