Conner Prairie highlights local history, Black-owned businesses at Juneteenth Jubilee

FISHERS, Ind. — Juneteenth is the nation’s youngest federal holiday, separated from the oldest by only two weeks. That’s one reason local historians say it’s important to tell the whole story and celebrate all progress. Events like this the Juneteenth Jubilee at Conner Prairie have grown every year across the country. Indianapolis celebrates the history of Juneteenth “For so many years, we didn’t know what it was about,” Deborah Washington, owner of Lady D’s Bling, said. “Now, we actually know what it’s about and we’re able to celebrate it.” The event was organized by the Fishers Arts Council and the Fishers High School Future Black Leaders Club to introduce the community to local Black-owned businesses and resources, and enjoy the occasion. “There wasn’t really any major celebrations in Fishers, Indiana celebrating Juneteenth,” Jayden Rucker with the Future Black Leaders club said. “Especially with it recently becoming a national holiday, we wanted to continue a tradition that we’ve had of celebrating Juneteenth.” Only recently have some local names and stories been revived that were once overlooked, and eventually lost to time. “Within the last couple of years, we’ve actually discovered that there might’ve been Hamilton County soldiers at the first Juneteenth...