Juneteenth celebration fizzled

I’ve been working too many tours and too much financial services lately so I haven’t had a chance to give the Express proper attention.

After a morning tour Wednesday, I pedaled by Legends Park looking for the Juneteenth celebration but it was dead.

I headed home and opened the Gazette to see a he-said, she-said by Mark Scheer about the celebration organized by Jacob Fleming being denied a permit for lack of insurance.

Somehow, it was a last-minute decision after Deputy Corporation Counsel Thomas DeBoy denied the permit.

DeBoy has become the face of the administration, the only representative who speaks during city council meetings and the guy far-too-often left as the guy making hard decisions.

The event moved to Christ Redemption on 22nd Street, which is actually a good thing as I see it.

Juneteenth 2024 was defined by fiefdoms and tribalism.

The Mayor raised a flag at City Hall with the help of Dontae Myles and his son. The Niagara Arts and Cultural Center held an event on Father’s Day.

Fleming and company hosted a separate event on the actual holiday.

There is a significant disconnect between the young people and the church community. Lots of people dress up Sunday and worship but there doesn’t seem to be a lot going on otherwise.

The Entrepreneur School of Thought is trying, with a Fathers Day party, book club even a recent author appearance and signing.

But even the Entrepreneur School can’t seem to get the respect it deserves when those supporting it can’t get the name straight. Promotional materials for job training as well as the Fathers Day event referenced the Entrepreneur School of Thoughts, adding an S.

It might have actually been better a couple years ago when Demetreus Nix hosted a Juneteenth Celebration on 14th Street.

If Fleming and company start planning now for next year, it will be better. Not using Legends Park is a bit of a letdown but not that much. Let’s face it, it has a couple bleachers and two basketball courts in the shadow of the Niagara Gospel Mission but is not a great place for a party.

I did stop by the Underground Railroad Heritage Museum which was busy with tours focused on the Cataract House. The museum will be hosting a community day beginning at noon, Saturday with food, entertainment and history experts.