By Emma Bouthillette, Contributing writer
Maine still holds the title for the whitest state in the country, but as historian and retired journalist Bob Greene is quick to point out, Black history has deep roots in Maine. Greene was welcomed as the keynote speaker at Biddeford’s Juneteenth Celebration, hosted by the city’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Committee in partnership with Heart of Biddeford and the Maine Black Chamber of Commerce.
Coco Corral, owner of Loving Anvil, has lived in Biddeford for 20 years. She and her husband Gil, who previously owned a gallery on Washington Street and a small event space on Main Street, were among the early wave of artisans integral to setting the Biddeford renaissance in motion. She attended Thursday’s event as one of the dozen vendors, selling her jewelry and other artwork.
“This absolutely felt like a return to community,” said Coco Coral. “I truly didn’t know what to expect and was so very joyously surprised. It’s so good to see this event in particular with such good energy and so well attended. Seriously, hats off to the Heart of Biddeford and the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee. What a beautiful day by the river, dancing, snacking, and trading stories.”
“Juneteenth is a time for reflection and
— Flo Leighton
celebration. It is not just part of Black history,
it’s American history.
Established as a federal holiday in 2021, Juneteenth recognizes the day in 1865 — two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed — that Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas to announce the end of the Civil War and that the last enslaved people were now free. It serves as a day to recall this history, as well as a celebration of Black community and continued fight for human rights and equity in our nation.
“Juneteenth is a time for reflection and celebration,” said DEI Committee Chair Florence Leighton. “It is not just part of Black history, it’s American history. To see people of all races and ages gather together, including elected officials at the city and state level, and folks that traveled from different parts of the state and even out of state, in Biddeford is a testament to the city’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.”
More than 100 people gathered for Biddeford’s Juneteenth celebration held at The Foundry, including Mayor Martin Grohman, City Councilors Liam LaFountain and Scott Whiting, Representative Marc Malon (D), and members of the city’s DEI Committee. Entertainment was provided by DJ B.Aull and catering from Soul Food Paradise and Biddo Banh. The event also highlighted local Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) vendors like Coco Corral, whose tables featured an array of goods from jewelry to original art, hair care products, and Jamaican jerk marinades.
“Against a backdrop of anti-DEI sentiment at a national level, the success of today’s Juneteenth event shows us what is possible when we work together, not against each other,” said Councilor Whiting, who also serves on the DEI Committee. “Biddeford has historically been one of the most diverse cities in Maine, including the Black community, and everyone in attendance today demonstrates that we will continue to be proud of that.”
Emma Bouthillette is a Biddeford native and author of A Brief History of Biddeford. She is a marketer, yoga instructor, and corgi mom.
Never miss another story! Subscribe for free today!
THE BIDDEFORD GAZETTE 