Tootie Walker, 7, encourages her sister Zyasia Hill, 15, to dance to the music of The Blacklites despite their snow cones at the Juneteenth Freedom Day Celebration at Kirk Park. The celebration took place on Juneteenth.

The Southside Citizens of Equity and Justice hosted the event, honoring freedom and Black American heritage and featuring live music, dance performances, food and family-friendly activities like a bounce house and an open swimming pool. Community members also shared their thoughts and ideas on the Knowledge Wall displayed by the Central New York Community Foundation.

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Michelle Gabel is a Syracuse-based independent photojournalist who captures the human experience through documentary photography and portraiture. Her long-form photography projects tell complex, contemporary...