The YWCA Greater Newburyport welcomed over 150 people from the community at their family-friendly Juneteenth celebration held Monday, June 19, 2023 from 1:00 – 5:00 pm.
In collaboration with the city of Newburyport celebrations, the event began with an Ice Cream Social sponsored by Caitlin and Dan Roche from Biggart’s Ice Cream. The crowd was then treated to a choreographed performance by the “Rope Burners”, a competitive Double Dutch jump rope team from Boston coached by Angela Francis and Crystal Edwards. Spectators watched as eight girls, ranging in age from eight to ten dazzled the crowd with their jump rope skills. Following the performance, the Rope Burners graciously invited people of all ages to “get in the ropes” while providing hands on coaching.
“A big thank you to the Rope Burners for collaborating with the YWCA in celebration of Juneteenth. It was a pleasure to welcome so many people from our community, including City Council President Heather Shand, Representative Dawne Shand, local clergy Ross Varney, Pastor Belleville Church, Rabbi Alex (and McDonough) Matthews, Ahavas Achim said “Amanda Bradbury, Youth Services Director.”
The event culminated with a Community Swim in the lap pool from 3-5 p.m. For more information about the YWCA Greater Newburyport, visit www.ywcanewburyport.org. YWCA Greater Newburyport is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all.
Coaches Angela Francis and Crystal Edwards bookended a stand with the Double Dutch “Rope Burners” team from Boston at the YWCAJuneteenth event, 6/19/2023.
