Juneteenth has always been a festival that celebrates freedom and justice. But this year, festival organizers want to emphasize those qualities in a new way — through education.

“The Juneteenth committee believes that to have freedom and justice, you have to be educated,” says parade organizer Steve Holdenried.

The theme for the 15th annual Juneteenth festival is “Community — where change begins. No child left behind.” Juneteenth organizer Ramadhan Washington says the issue is a timely one, coming shortly after the failed education bond issue. He wants the community to come together to support the children and their education.

“We’re not going to be leaving the children just because the bond issue didn’t pass,” he says.

Washington says the Juneteenth “No child left behind” coalition will be bringing up the rear of the Juneteenth parade, handing out fliers and information about its goals. The coalition initiative for 2009 will be to take a harder look at the issue, Washington says.

And while the theme of this year’s festival is a serious one, there will be plenty of fun as well. The celebration kicks off tonight with a graduate reception starting at 5 p.m. at John Lucas Park. The reception will include a DJ, basketball, praise dances and arts and crafts until 10 p.m.

On June 13, the festivities begin with the parade at 11 a.m. The parade will start on Noyes by the Central High School tennis courts, then go to Messanie Street up to 19th Street, then up 19th Street to the corner of John Lucas Park, behind the Bartlett Center.

Holdenried says people can show up to join the parade until it starts, and all types of entries are accepted, including “horses, bicycles, scooters, roller skates.”

After the parade will be the official opening ceremony, and then the kids’ carnival and health fair in the Bartlett Center. At 4 p.m., the Harlem Legends will play the St. Joe Community Legends.

On June 14, there will be a freedom breakfast at 8 a.m. at the park, followed by an emancipation service at 9 a.m. with Jesus is the Answer Ministry. At 2 p.m., there will be the annual Juneteenth freedom picnic.

Throughout the weekend there also will be vendors, praise dancers, a fashion show and basketball tournament.

Washington says the Juneteenth celebration has grown over the years, but he still wants to get more people there.

“It’s just a lot of fun,” he says. “... and we’re doing everything to just get more community (involved).”