Welcome to Saint Louis In Tune!
June 11, 2024

Building Community Through Juneteenth: Insights from Celeste Grayer

Celeste Grayer, a social worker and artist, shares insights into the significance of Juneteenth and her efforts to organize community events in the Delmar Loop area. Activities include a 5k race for reconciliation, a vendor fair, and a jam session with live music and a car show. The conversation also touches on the historical background of Juneteenth and the importance of community engagement, especially for the youth. Local Juneteenth events in the region are highlighted and host Arnold Stricker engages Grayer in a conversation about her work and the impact of community involvement.

We sit down with multi-disciplined artist and social worker Celeste Grayer to discuss the upcoming Juneteenth celebrations in the St. Louis area, particularly the activities in the Delmar Loop on June 15th. Grayer, who is deeply embedded in the local community, shares her insights on the significance of Juneteenth, its recent recognition as a national holiday, and the importance of community engagement.

The episode also highlights various activities planned for the Juneteenth celebration, including a vendor fair, live music, and a 5k Race for Reconciliation. Grayer emphasizes the value of investment in community efforts and the educational aspects of cultural holidays. The episode aims to offer fresh perspectives on how to connect and thrive as a community while honoring historical legacies.

[00:00] Introduction to Juneteenth and Today's Show

[01:15] Meet Celeste Grayer: Artist and Community Leader

[02:00] Juneteenth Events in The Loop

[04:07] Organizing the Juneteenth Celebration

[09:51] The Importance of Community and Youth Engagement

[12:13] Celeste's Work at Sumner High School

[15:26] True Trifecta: Art and Business

[18:01] Reflecting on a Genuine Journey

[18:27] Salvation Army Show and Community Impact

[18:57] Balancing Social Work and Fundraising

[19:47] Brief Break and Introduction to Dred Scott Heritage Foundation

[21:15] Exploring St. Louis In Tune

[23:03] History and Significance of The Delmar Loop

[26:20] Juneteenth Celebration and Its Importance

[36:13] Engaging the Youth and Preserving Culture

[38:26] Conclusion and Final Thoughts

 

This is Season 7! For more episodes, go to stlintune.com

#juneteenth #delmarloop #sumnerhighschool #celebration #generalorderno3 #galvestontexas #juneteethcelebrations

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Celeste Grayer Profile Photo

Celeste Grayer

Celeste Grayer is a multi-disciplined artist and social worker in the community. A graduate of both the University of Missouri St. Louis, and St Louis University, Celeste combines her artistry and passion for the community by mentoring young artist and exposing urban youth to various art forms. She has worked for several organizations and non-profits including St. Louis Public Schools, New Sunny Mount Baptist Church, Link STL, Art Goes North, and The Delmar Loop. She organizes community wide events, serves on the board of directors for Shoe Fly and Stl Links, and is the founder and owner of The True Trifecta.