Ohemaa Woyeje calls for swift action to eliminate racism at Juneteenth Festival
Popular radio presenter and Disc Jockey (DJ), Harey Adjoa Owusu Kusi aka Ohemaa Woyeje has highlighted that the lack of persistent efforts has fostered racism and harsh treatment of Black people.
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She mentioned that even though numerous rights have been outlined in various conventions, discrimination still existed in black communities where whites dominated.
This is because black people have not received the needed recognition to empower them to exercise their human rights.
She stressed that eliminating racism, marginalisation and the institutional oppression of Blacks require both collective and individual efforts.
The Angel FM presenter made the remarks during the Juneteenth Festival which took place in New York City, USA, from Friday, June 16-18.
“We ask, where Blacks in the United States of America are today in 2023. What is the state of the socio-economic conditions of Blacks in the United States. 160 years after the signing of the emancipation proclamation on January 1st 1863 which purported to end slavery.
“Where are black people after 158 years of the 13th amendment of the United States constitution adopted in 1865 which purported to legally abolish slavery? Where are black people today 143 years after the end of the reconstruction era.
“Although we celebrate this victory today, we understand that much work remains to be done. We on the continent stand ready to join our brothers and the entire diasporans in the continued fight for equal rights and justice,” she observed.
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Ohemaa was officially invited to attend this year’s Juneteenth event in New York City, USA and the three-day festival was marked under the theme, “Kaleidoscope of Black Culture” to mark black empowerment.
Juneteenth festival is New York City’s leading and largest annual event created to empower the Black community, advance the economic and cultural arts in underserved areas as well as champion small, Black-owned businesses.
Since its inception 14 years ago, a number of artistes have headlined the festival and this year will have Emmy nominated singer/songwriter, Julian King entertaining patrons.
Attendees of the event experienced the best in black culture and community with live performances, exhibitions, authentic local cuisine, wellness and other family fun activities.
Juneteenth has grown and expanded exponentially from a local gathering to a nationally recognised event with this year’s attendees expected to reach over 37,000.
The festival celebrates the day African Americans in Texas learned of their freedom two years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation and in 2021, the festival was recognised as a commemorative holiday by Denver City Council.
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