Fire Island Pines and Cherry Grove to Host Weekend-Long Celebration Honoring Black Contributions

(EZ Newswire)

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FIRE ISLAND, NY -- Fire Island Pines and Cherry Grove, two of the seventeen vibrant communities on Fire Island, are gearing up to host a weekend-long celebration dedicated to honoring and uplifting the contributions of Black people. Organized by the Black and Brown Equity Coalition (BaBEC), in partnership with Amazon.com, The Stonewall Inn Gives Back Initiative (SIGBI), and Jack’d, this event aims to educate, inspire, and entertain attendees through highly curated activities.

Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, is a holiday that marks the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States. It is celebrated annually on June 19th to recognize the day in 1865 when Union General Gordon Granger announced the abolition of slavery in Galveston, Texas, two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued. Juneteenth honors Black people’s resilience, achievements, and cultural contributions throughout history and serves as a reminder of the ongoing fight for racial justice and equality.

Taking place on the picturesque shores of Fire Island, the Juneteenth Fire Island celebration will be a testament to the unity and commitment of these communities to racial equity. This special event, scheduled for June 16-19, 2023, promises a diverse range of activities that encapsulate the essence of liberation and solidarity.

Throughout the weekend, attendees will be able to witness a captivating fashion show featuring the genderless fashion line BoiPKG. They will also be able to experience electrifying DJ sets and attend the renowned Mx. Juneteenth Fire Island Drag Pageant. In addition, the weekend will feature an unforgettable evening with The Dragon Sisters, a dynamic performance group known for their stunning artistry and empowering messages. A weekend highlight will be a beach solidarity march, paying tribute to the lives of people of color lost to anti-Black and trans violence and police brutality.

The Juneteenth Fire Island celebration serves as a platform for the Fire Island communities to reaffirm their dedication to racial equity and highlights the support of generous sponsors. Amazon.com, Stonewall Inn Gives Back Initiative (SIGBI), and the dating app Jack’d, have stepped forward to help make this event possible, demonstrating their commitment to fostering inclusivity and celebrating diversity. Additionally, community partners BOFFO and the Sayville Ferry have played an integral role in bringing this celebration to life, contributing their resources and support.

“One of the reasons that I love BaBEC so much is because we really put in the work to build a bridge for BIPOC and TGNCI people from off-island to on-island," said Tomik Dash, President of BaBEC. "We do this by creating events, such as Juneteenth Fire Island, that are intentionally created with those demographics in mind first. Our events and initiatives allow Black and trans people to see reflections of themselves, hear music from our communities, and celebrate authentically in a space where we don’t feel othered. BaBEC is the future of Fire Island.”

About

BaBEC develops and implements initiatives and activities to promote Black and transgender equity as well as a sense of belonging among LGBTQ+ Black people and all people of color in Cherry Grove, Fire Island Pines, and surrounding areas. We do this by building coalition with value-aligned people, businesses, and organizations on and off-island. Learn more at https://babecfireisland.org

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SOURCE: Black and Brown Equity Coalition of Fire Island

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