This photo from 2012 showcases the talented people behind the third annual Juneteenth Pool Party hosted by the Park District of Forest Park. Texas, where Juneteenth originated in 1865, was the first state to recognize Juneteenth as a state holiday, and was celebrated annually as a weeklong celebration when current Forest Park Mayor Rory Hoskins was growing up in Galveston. Rory Hoskins brought the tradition to his Forest Park hometown and partnered with organizations and individuals in the area to create the signature event. The celebration at the pool in 2012 was a family-friendly pool party with grilled food, DJ Ryan Russ, and Yogo the Clown.
Jill Wagner
