Latest news with #EbonyfestJuneteenthFestival
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Gastonia takes over Juneteenth festival after public outcry
A Juneteenth festival in Gastonia is now a city-run event. Last week, organizers revealed that they would have to pay over $15,000 out of pocket for staff required at the event. Now, however, they no longer have to pay for it. Tasha White said a weight has been lifted off her shoulders after the city council unanimously voted to make the Ebonyfest Juneteenth Festival a city-run event. 'I really do feel seen, heard, and valued,' said White. 'We were asking for a reduction in our in-kind costs; what they gave us was even better than we anticipated.' PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Gastonia festival organizers face new costs as city ends free staffing support In January 2024, city leaders voted to change their in-kind services policy. This meant that organizers must cover all staffing costs, such as fire and police. Previously, the city absorbed those fees. However, leaders said they were waiting a year before they officially implemented the change. Councilwoman Jennifer Stepp addressed the police change at Tuesday's council meeting and said it was intended to lower the tax rate. 'I do want to make it clear that there was never any intention to hurt any particular community, and it was all or nothing for everybody. There were other organizations that either had to not have their event or come up with it,' said Stepp. After the public outcry, Councilwoman Cheryl Littejohn made a motion to absorb the staffing costs for the Ebonyfest Juneteenth celebration. 'The biggest reason it's important is that that price tag, that estimate, that bill is gone, that $15,630,' said Littejohn. While White is pleased with the outcome, she is thinking about other community organizers who are uncertain about their future events. 'I will be speaking up for those who are still facing a huge price tag,' said White. 'We want them to create a model that anybody can use, so whether it is the Highland festival or Toys for Tots.' City leaders told Channel 9 they plan to revisit the in-kind services policy next month. VIDEO: Gastonia festival organizers face new costs as city ends free staffing support
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Gastonia festival organizers face new costs as city ends free staffing support
Celebrations of community collaboration are now facing a financial roadblock. The city of Gastonia will no longer be footing the bill for first responders and workers at festivals. Instead, organizers will have to pick up the cost. Channel 9's Almiya White delved into why this shift in policy could mean an uncertain future. ALSO READ: Vandal destroys nonprofit's van that helps dozens experiencing homelessness For 35 years, Erwin Center and Park have been the home of the Highland Festival. One of its organizers, Finland Fair, said the festival is an opportunity for the community to come together. But this year, they are facing a financial barrier. 'They've been helping us for years, and then all of a sudden, you just cut it out. It's kind of rough,' said Fair. Starting this year, organizers must cover all staffing costs the city deems necessary, such as fire and police, to name a few. Previously, the city absorbed those fees. It's a part of a change to the city of Gastonia's kind services policy councilmembers passed unanimously last year. They waited a year, however, to implement this change in hopes of giving nonprofits time to prepare. 'We're looking at a number of, like, $17,000 in order to put this thing on for a week,' said Fair. 'I feel that it's like the city is letting this community down. We're just trying to reach the community, to educate the community, and reach these children to try to help. And he's not alone. Tasha White, organizer of Gastonia's Ebonyfest Juneteenth Festival, said she is looking at spending over 15,000 for staffing. 'I don't have a problem, you know, making a payment to the city. I just don't think it needs to be $15,000 for two days, right? I think we could have a more equitable and more engaging and collaborative solution,' said White. Channel 9 reached out to the city about the change. They released a statement saying the changes are due to the increasing cost of staffing essential city services. The city also said it will continue to support nonprofit-led events by waiving facility rental fees for approved applications. However, without the financial support, organizers said they are uncertain about future events. VIDEO: Vandal destroys nonprofit's van that helps dozens experiencing homelessness
