Patricia Thompson said that celebrating Juneteenth with her community is a message of unity for future generations.
“We have to be models for our kids. We don’t all have to look the same. We have to model the behavior we want to see in our generations to come,” Thompson said. “We just want to be kind. We want people to be kind to each other and just love each other. One day we’re not going to be here. We’re all getting out of here whether we want to or not. So what do you want to be known for? What do you want to leave behind?”
Thompson started the Juneteenth Committee of New Boston in October of 2021. The message of the organization, she said, was one of diversity and inclusivity, she said. To solidify that message, the not-forprofit organization created their mission statement of “Unity through Diversity.”
