Fresh energy elevates celebration in downtown
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Kokomo’s Juneteenth Summer Celebration Brings Unity, Flavor, and Community Pride on Sat., June 21, Carver Community Center and Kokomo Housing Authority came together once again to host the annual Juneteenth Summer Celebration.
This year’s event carried a fresh energy and a bold new feel, especially with its return to the historic courthouse square in downtown Kokomo. The streets were alive with activity, music, and a beautiful sense of community.
What truly made this year stand out was the incredible lineup of vendors. There were 20 food vendors, nine merchants selling unique goods, and 23 resource vendors offering valuable information and support to the public. The way these groups filled the streets helped create an inviting, lively space where people of all backgrounds could gather, connect, and celebrate.
But it wasn’t just the vendors that made the event special, the music stole the show. From the very beginning, the performances brought people together in a way that only great music can. The evening kicked off with a high-energy hip hop set from DeRay Boyd, whose smooth delivery and meaningful lyrics set the tone.
DeRay reflected on the event’s growth over the years, sharing, “What’s beautiful about this event is how far it has come. I remember performing at the very first Juneteenth celebration here in Kokomo, it was small back then, but to see it blossom into this is powerful. I especially loved seeing the opportunities for local vendors. It’s amazing what happens when a community comes together like this, and I truly hope this continues to grow.”
Following DeRay, the crowd was treated to the electric sounds of Winston Howard’s rock guitar, and then the soulful energy of Maximum Groove, a band that had the audience engaged from beginning to end. The music provided a perfect soundtrack for a day filled with food, laughter, and dancing.
Derick Steele, CEO of Kokomo Housing Authority, was proud to see the vision for this event come to life once again. He praised his dedicated team, whose months of planning helped create such a successful day.
“When we first started this in 2020, it was just a handful of tents in the Garden Square parking lot,” Steele said. “Now, thanks to our partnership with Carver Community Center, it’s a full downtown festival. This year’s turnout was incredible, even with the summer heat. What really touched me was being able to honor two amazing community leaders, Cheryl Freeman Simmons and Angie Sanders, with the 2025 Breaking Chains Award. Recognizing those who have dedicated their lives to serving young people, that was the highlight for me.”
Carver Community Center made sure to use the opportunity to share the exciting educational work they’re doing, especially in STEM programming, and encouraged the community to get involved as volunteers and supporters.
Carver’s Executive Director, JC Barnett III, reflected on the power of partnership, saying, “This celebration keeps growing, and so does our bond with the Housing Authority. What stands out to me is their heart for the community. They’re not just putting on an event, they’re changing lives by providing food, resources, and real support. We’re truly thankful for that connection.”
One of the most exciting additions this year was the “Best of Kokomo” food competition, which quickly became a crowd favorite. The People’s Choice Award, voted on by guests via QR codes at each food vendor, was won by Greens, a beloved local favorite.
Special guest judges, including Mayor Tyler Moore, local musicians, and community leaders, selected Still Smokin’s Surf and Turf quesadillas as the Judges’ Choice winner, with Overgrown Pastures’ brisket sandwich earning the runner-up spot.
Despite the scorching summer heat, the streets of Kokomo were filled with joyful celebration, delicious food, and an unforgettable sense of togetherness. It was truly a day to remember.
See additional photos from Juneteenth in downtown Kokomo on the Lantern’s Facebook page or group.