ELKHART, Ind. -- The 38th annual Elkhart Jazz Festival kicked off today, and the atmosphere downtown was swinging, as music, food trucks, and vendors lined the streets.
Near Elkhart Public Library's downtown branch, however, the celebration was more purposeful.
The 100 Black Sons Initiative partnered up with community organizations: Elkhart Health Department, Tolson Center, City of Elkhart, Fire Department, Police Department, Elkhart Public Library, Just Cause JDC, and several popular local vendors, to celebrate Juneteenth.
Juneteenth is a federal holiday observing the emancipation of enslaved African Americans.
Robert Taylor is the president of 100 Black Sons Initiative, and it's his fifth year hosting the Juneteenth celebration. For Taylor, this event means more than just celebration.
"Man, I just want the kids of tomorrow to know that someone is still working for them," Taylor said. "Making them understand that even though we've been through what we've been through as someone in the African American community, that tomorrow is greater than yesterday,"
As the patio filled up with food trucks and vendors, each one played a role in the celebration. Cherelle Martin was helping to share information about available resources, and shared her feelings about the day, "To see the community come together and support such a huge cause for the Black community is just inspiring, and something I love to be a part of."
While the Juneteenth Celebration ends today, it was just the kickoff to the rest of Jazz Fest, which runs through Sunday.