Juneteenth Parade of Fairfield County and Harambee Festival
Deborah Caviness, Juneteenth of Fairfield County, Inc.
Juneteenth of Fairfield County, Inc. has announced that Dr. Immacula Cann has been chosen as the 2024 Grand Marshal for the 32nd Annual Juneteenth Parade.
“It is my honor and privilege to represent Juneteenth of Fairfield County as the 2024 Grand Marshal,” Cann said in a statement. “In my role, not only will I raise awareness on the significance of Juneteenth and the historical prejudice, I will also focus on mental health and trauma and the lack of accessible medical treatment in marginalized communities of color. I am thankful that Fairfield County and the entire State of Connecticut are so supportive of the long-standing celebration of Juneteenth, the hope it represents and our mutual commitment to improving how we all work and live together.”
Juneteenth is an event that has a unique cultural and historical significance in Bridgeport and in the State of Connecticut. Dating back to June 19, 1865, Juneteenth is the oldest celebration commemorating the ending of slavery in the United States. The Juneteenth of Fairfield County joins people together to embrace African American culture and history and continue the tradition of higher education, self-empowerment, and self-determination.
Dr. Immacula Cann has a high degree of involvement in her community—she currently serves on several boards and commissions. She is a lifelong advocate for social justice for families and children. Dr. Immacula Cann is the Chief Nursing Officer for Silver Hill Hospital (SHH). She is a Board Certified Psychiatric and Mental Health Registered Nurse, with a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from Northeastern University. Dr. Cann also serves as Lecturer/Preceptor for Yale University’s Psychiatric Mental-Health Nursing Graduate Entry Specialty in Nursing (GEPN) program.
This year’s theme is to raise awareness on mental health and trauma in the minority community. Who and what we are surrounded by impacts our mental health and overall wellness. In particular, Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) populations are faced with disproportionate amounts of historical trauma and displacement that have challenged how these communities remain sustainable and continue to thrive.
For information about the 32nd Annual Juneteenth Parade call 203-545-8146 or email [email protected]
Congratulations, Dr. Immacula Cann!