Peace walk, speakers to commemorate Juneteenth in Indy

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — All Indy Parks Family Centers will remain closed Friday as they observe the Juneteenth holiday. 

Pools and splash pads will remain open. 

Also happening Friday, Kipp Indy Public Schools has scheduled a community peace walk Friday at 12:30 p.m. The start and end locations are at 2259 North Ralston Avenue. The purpose of the walk is to combat neighborhood violence, protest systemic racism and promote peace.

Organizers are inviting people to make and carry posters expressing changes they want to see. Plus, they’re asking you to wear black, red, yellow and green. Refreshments will be available after the walk.

Juneteenth is a combination of June and 19. For decades, African Americans have celebrated and remembered the day.

“I think the remembrance part of it is the most important piece,” IUPUI professor Dr. Leslie Etienne said. “The remembrance. I think the value of joy – Black joy – is something that we have to consider. Also for us to critically interrogate conditions, for us to critically interrogate the contemporary conditions.

Indy Parks says all family centers will reopen Saturday with their regular weekend schedule.