Juneteenth in the air at Clemmons Family Farm

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Renowned aerialist and choreographer Pamela Donohoo headlined Juneteenth festivities at the Clemmons Family Farm on June 21. The family-friendly event featured a “black eyed peas and collard greens” theme, with Donohoo performing an aerial version of a story of a black-eyed pea who befriends a collard green leaf. Prior to the performance, Clemmons Family Farm Director Lydia Clemmons entranced the audience with the story of her great grandmother Margie, who continued to live as a slave even after the 1863 Emancipation Proclamation because her white slave owners did not want her to know she was free. Margie ultimately escaped, married, and became a successful farmer until she and her family were chased from their oil-bearing land by angry white neighbors. Margie and her family started over in a new state, building a successful plumbing company.

Lydia Sr., 98, who founded the farm in the 1960s with husband Jack Clemmons, sat in an air-conditioned car to watch the festivities. “Please stop by and say hello to my mother,” Lydia Clemmons told attendees.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]