FROM SLAVERY TO FREEDOM
The Black Ancestors Awareness Campaign (BAAC) of Weston invites the public to the 6th Annual Juneteenth Heritage Jubilee (JHJ6) on Saturday, June 13.
This year’s theme, “Common Threads: The Tapestry of Community,” honors the resilience and industry of those who built Weston’s foundation.
The celebration begins at 11 a.m. at the Weston Red Barn Farm (16300 Wilkerson Rd). This multimedia experience is free to the public and explores history through the lens of those who lived it.
Living History: From Enslavement to Industry
This year, JHJ6 highlights the stories of two pivotal Black Westonians who shaped the town’s iconic legacy:
·Aaron Busey (1809–1904): A skilled laborer at Holladay Distillery whose dedication allowed him to purchase his own freedom and land.
·Margerine Dydell Anderson (1906–1992): A stalwart of the Saint George Hotel who worked tirelessly to pave the way for future generations.
·America 250: The Pendulum of Progress | Dr. MN Shabazz explores the shifting arcs of history as the nation approaches its 250th Anniversary.
Event Highlights
·Immersive Storytelling: Dramatic portrayals by Gena Bardwell as Margerine Anderson, Brother John Anderson as Aaron Busey.
·Expert Insights: Jennifer Lowman will share the deep-rooted history of the Holladay Distillery, and William McQueen (as Frank Kelly from the St. George Hotel ca. 1850s).
·Music & Movement: Spirituals performed by Angela Hagenbach, John Anderson, and Gena Bardwell, backed by Roger Wilder and Steve Rigazzi, alongside the powerful rhythms of Art In Motion African drumming and dance.
·Community Fair: Featuring face painting, a silent auction, local shopping, and a free BBQ luncheon sponsored by the Weston Rotary (available while supplies last).
Hosted by Vincent Bell and Leah Becker-Ricketts, this event is supported by the Missouri Division of Tourism, the N.W. Dible Foundation, the Weston Chamber of Commerce, Weston Rotary Club, Catha Hall, and Holladay Distillery.
About BAAC: The Black Ancestors Awareness Campaign of Weston, Missouri, a standing committee of the Weston Historical Museum, is dedicated to weaving Black heritage back into the local historical narrative, fostering a community built on truth, progress, and hope.
