Valley Stream, NY – Assemblywoman Michaelle C. Solages joined hundreds of residents at Valley Stream State Park on Friday for the community's annual Juneteenth Jubilee, a community celebration honoring the end of slavery in the United States and the enduring legacy of Black freedom, resilience, and achievement.

The event, hosted in partnership with New York State Department of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation featured cultural performances, family activities, community organizations, food vendors, and a special youth basketball clinic hosted by the Long Island Nets.

During her remarks, Assemblywoman Solages reflected on the significance of Juneteenth as both a day of remembrance and a celebration of liberation.

“Every family here, every young person here, every elder sharing stories with the next generation is helping preserve this history,” said Assemblywoman Solages. “Juneteenth survives because communities choose to remember and celebrate together.”

“Juneteenth is a celebration of freedom,” the Assemblywoman added. “But it is also a reminder that freedom is never something we should take for granted. It must be cherished and protected with all that we have.”