Town of Cortlandt Hosts First Juneteenth Celebration
The Town of Cortlandt held its first Juneteenth Festival on Friday, June 19, with an outdoor event at Linda D. Puglisi Town Hall.
Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans and serves as a celebration of freedom. The Juneteenth holiday honors the end of slavery in the United States on June 19, 1865.
Councilwoman Joyce White chaired the Juneteenth Committee and, along with other volunteers, had been preparing for the event since early January.
“It’s historical because the Town of Cortlandt was founded in 1788. As the first Black woman to sit as councilwoman for the board, for me, I’m feeling like it’s showing the diversity of our community … where everyone can be together and celebrate freedom,” said White.
Performers and speakers shared stories and emotional dances to honor and celebrate the federal holiday. Skyla Houston, Peekskill High School alumni, danced to “Break Every Chain.”
Houston said of her performance: “I felt overwhelmed by the spirit in the moment. ‘Break Every Chain’ is a very powerful song, and I felt like it was fitting for the occasion — how God is able to break the chains that we feel are holding us back in life and then the feeling of freedom of those chains being broken off of us.”
She noted that she felt honored to represent Mount Lebanon Church at the festival since she had danced with the church since she was young.
Students from surrounding school districts submitted artwork, essays and poems on what freedom means to them, which were displayed at the event.
Town Supervisor Dr. Richard Becker said of the festival: “We have a group of speakers here [as we] enjoy the day and celebrate. And the kids have been involved, their singing has been wonderful, their dancing is wonderful. [It’s] just so inspiring to see kids involved in the event.”
Local vendors sold Juneteenth-inspired items, including history books, jewelry, flags and pens. Community organizations showed their support, and a bouncy house, bubbles and face painting were set upon the St. Columbanus Little League Field located next to town hall.
“I am so happy to be here,“ said Dr. Cassandra Dobson, cofounder and president of Westchester Sickle Cell Outreach. “When I got the invite from my colleague, I filled out the form immediately because I wanted to be a part of [the festival]. I wanted people to know that even though slavery is over, we’re still in a place where there is social injustice, and where we have all kinds of things that are suppressing the African American community. So it’s good to hear the young man that was speaking about the past of where we came from, and to understand that we all should appreciate each other, no matter what.”
Local electeds were in attendance, including County Legislator Emiljana Ulaj, State Sen. Pete Harckham, and the Town of Cortlandt Town Board.
“This is the first time in a long time that Peekskill, Croton, Montrose, Buchanan, the Villages, and the Hamlets all came together in the town as a community event,” said White. “The festival brought all of us together here, and I think that’s just historical. And I’m looking forward to many years to come.”
Cortlandt Juneteenth Photo Gallery
Peekskill Holds 15th Annual Juneteenth Parade
The City of Peekskill celebrated Juneteenth by parading under sunny skies on Saturday, June 20, for the fifteenth year. Meanwhile, one town over, Cortlandt joined the party by holding at town hall its first-ever Juneteenth festival.
The Peekskill parade began at noon at A.M.E. Zion Church on Park Street and traveled through several city streets before concluding at the community festival, which continued through 7 p.m. in downtown Peekskill.
The Grand Marshals selected to lead this year’s parade, honored at a Common Council meeting on June 8, were Melvin “Mel” Bolden, Lt. Khalia Carter, Edward “Tre” Stanton Johnson III, posthumously, and the Peekskill chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).
The celebration featured live entertainment, food and craft vendors, food trucks, community organizations, family activities and a children’s area with face painting. DJ Tommydidit performed, along with cultural presentations featuring gospel music, jazz, dance and African drumming.
Marvin ‘Mel’ Bolden
Melvin “Mel” Bolden, a music technology teacher and former fire captain, was honored for “his leadership, service and commitment to strengthening the community.” The proclamation reads in part:
“Melvin “Mel” Bolden is a lifelong educator, accomplished musician, producer and public servant whose roots run deep in Peekskill.
“Inspired by a family legacy of service and courage, Mel follows in the footsteps of his grandfather, Charles Bolden, the first African American police officer in the City of Peekskill, and his grandmother, Jesse Bolden, whose commitment to justice included aiding the legendary Paul Robeson during the historic Peekskill Riots.
“Mel’s dedication to public service extended to the Peekskill Fire Department, where he served as Captain of Columbian Engine Company No. 131. In 1999, he was the youngest City Councilman ever elected in Peekskill, serving honorably until 2007.
“For more than thirty-five years, Mel has dedicated himself to the Peekskill City School District, where he currently serves as Director of the Performing Arts Department and Music Technology Teacher and Audio Technician. In this role, he inspires generations of students.
Behind every great leader stands a strong foundation, and Mel gratefully acknowledges his wife, Jennifer, as his greatest supporter and their blended family of eight children, reflecting the values of unity, faith, and family that have guided his life.”
Edward ‘Tre’ Stanton Johnson III
The late Edward “Tre” Stanton Johnson III, a professional football player, was posthumously honored for his “extraordinary accomplishments and the lasting legacy he leaves for his family, friends, and all whose lives he touched.” The proclamation reads in part:
“Edward Stanton Johnson III, affectionately known as “Tre,” was born on August 30, 1971, in New York City. He graduated from Peekskill High School in 1989, where he distinguished himself as a standout athlete. His athletic achievements earned him the opportunity to play collegiate football for the Temple Owls.
“In 1994, Tre was selected as the thirty-first overall pick in the second round of the National Football League Draft, embarking upon a distinguished professional football career that spanned eight seasons with the Washington Redskins and the Cleveland Browns. Through hard work, he earned recognition among the league’s elite, receiving both Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors during his NFL career.
“Following his retirement from professional football, Tre devoted more than two decades as a beloved history teacher at the Landon School, where he was cherished as a mentor, leader, educator, and role model whose influence extended far beyond the classroom.
“Tre embraced life with enthusiasm and found joy in traveling and exploring new places with his beloved wife, and proudly supporting and encouraging his four children in all their endeavors.”
National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP)
The Peekskill National Association for the Advancement of Colored People was honored for “its outstanding service and the advancement of a more just and inclusive society.” The proclamation reads in part:
“The Peekskill Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) has long stood as a leading voice for civil rights, social justice, and community empowerment, working tirelessly to advance equity and improve the quality of life for all residents.
“Under the leadership of President Priscilla Augustin, the Peekskill NAACP continues to advocate for meaningful change through its dedicated committees on Civic Engagement, Criminal Justice, Education, and Environmental Justice.
“The Peekskill NAACP has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to accountability and transparency in government and public safety by submitting the framework for the City of Peekskill’s Civilian Complaint Review Board (CCRB), an important initiative that is currently being implemented to strengthen community trust and oversight.
“Through its Memorandum of Understanding with the Peekskill City School District, the Peekskill NAACP partners to advance Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives and address matters of educational equity.
“The Peekskill NAACP further demonstrates its commitment to community wellness through its partnership with Regeneration Farm, advocating for healthy eating, food access, and sustainable practices that contribute to the health and well-being of residents.”
Khalia Carter
Peekskill City Police Department Lt. Khalia Carter was honored for “her service, leadership and unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of our community.” The proclamation reads in part:
“Lieutenant Carter began her career in law enforcement in May 2009 with the New York State Office of Mental Health as a Special Police Officer.
“Through hard work, dedication and exemplary service, Lieutenant Carter achieved the promotion to the rank of Lieutenant in February 2026 and currently serves as the Commanding Officer of the Community Policing Unit in Peekskill, New York.
“In her leadership role, Lieutenant Carter oversees both the Community Policing Unit and the Administrative Division and serves as the agency’s Grants Administrator, helping to advance programs and resources that strengthen trust between law enforcement and the community and enhance public safety.
“Through her dedication to public safety, community partnership, professional excellence and servant leadership, Lieutenant Carter has become a respected role model whose work embodies the values of service, empowerment, and progress celebrated during Juneteenth.
“It is fitting and proper that Lieutenant Khalia Carter be recognized for her outstanding contributions and honored during Juneteenth for her resilience, progress and enduring pursuit of equality and justice.”
