The Fort Wayne Urban League’s massive weeklong Juneteenth celebration continued Thursday evening with an event called Lawn and Learn.
Dozens spread lawn chairs across the grass on the Urban League’s offices for an interactive back-and-forth over ways to keep improving Fort Wayne and empowering communities today and the future.
With a diverse age pool in the crowd, one of the questions that generated the most discussion was how millennials and elders in the community can peacefully coexist and get work done together.
As expected, both pointed at the other about having to change certain behaviors, but Camille Curry took a diplomatic approach, suggesting everyone try to build each other up when it’s needed.
“These things are obstacles, it stifles unity. If there’s something that you have, that you can do, that will help someone else accomplish what they need to get done, we should offer a hand. Usually it’s free.”
Unity within the community was a central theme of the evening. Event moderator Janiece Norfleet noted the importance of collaboration towards that goal.
“We all have a place in our society and our community, and if we’re stepping on each other’s shoes trying to be seen, the whole community suffers.”
Fort Wayne’s Juneteenth celebration will conclude Saturday with “Freedom Day,” and festivities will take place from 2pm to 6pm at McMillen Park.
