In Columbus, May 8 — or Eight ‘o May — is recognized as Emancipation Day, commemorating the day federal troops arrived in the city and informed enslaved citizens they had been freed.
Nationally, June 19 is recognized as the day federal troops delivered news of freedom to slaves in Galveston, Texas, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. Juneteenth became a federal holiday in 2021.
But local leaders coordinating this year’s Juneteenth celebrations said the holiday is much more than just history.
Frank Nichols, president of the Starkvegas Juneteenth Committee for Unity, said for him, Juneteenth is about inclusion.
“When they wrote the Star Spangled Banner, we weren’t included in that,” Nichols said. “I get teary eyed every time I hear it, because I’ve played sports. I’ve been in the military. I love my country. I love my flag. But in the back of my mind, when this stuff was made, (I) wasn’t included in it.”
Nichols said the Starkvegas Juneteenth Committee for Unity, along with the Oktibbeha County Branch of NAACP and other sponsors and partners, have planned events throughout the city to share Black culture in as many ways as possible.
The official slate of events includes 12 opportunities to enjoy share in Black culture, including food and music, along with other educational and culturally informative events.
The kick-off for Starkville’s city-wide Juneteenth celebration is an Evening of Prayer at 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday at Unity Park.
Yulanda Haddix, President of the Oktibbeha County Branch of NAACP, said she is looking forward to the kick-off more than anything else, as it signals the start of a week of education and understanding between all the city’s residents, no matter their race.
“Freedom is not free until your mind is free,” Haddix said. “… Let’s come together and let’s celebrate all as one people. Not groups of people. Everybody enjoys Juneteenth. This is not a Black holiday. It’s for everyone, and we can all learn from each other.”
In Columbus, Lowndes County District 5 Supervisor Leroy Brooks said Juneteenth celebrations are going on their 26th year and start on Friday. He said the weekend will include a two-day music festival, a parade, and a tailgate party.
Brooks echoed Nichols’ invitation, saying anyone of any cultural background is invited to enjoy Juneteenth.
“One of the things I recognize is that sometimes, political situations can be polarizing and threatening,” Brooks said. “These cultural events are designed to be non-threatening. You can come and be yourself and just have fun… the purpose is to bring people together and get to know each other.”
Juneteenth schedule
Starkville Activities:
Wednesday, June 14:
■ Opening Ceremony, evening of prayer at Unity Park from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Thursday, June 15:
■ Summer African Wear Party at Rick’s from 9 p.m. to 12 a.m.
Friday, June 16:
■ Cigar Social at Spring Street Cigars from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
■ Rising Star Lodge #31 Awards at Westside Park at 5 p.m.
■ West Side Soul Festival at West Side Park at 5 p.m.
Saturday, June 17:
■ Unity 5k Run/Walk at Safe Room on Lynn Lane from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m.
■ Health Fair at Safe Room from 10 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
■ BBQ Contest at McKee Park from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
■ Boys to Men Life Camp at MSU Campus/Shira Fieldhouse (Sigmas) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
■ Jazz Festival at Fire Station Park vicinity from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Sunday, June 18th:
■ Juneteenth Gospel Festival at Beth-el Missionary Baptist Church at 3 p.m.
Monday, June 19:
■ Youth Art Gallery, Presentation and Exhibition at J.L. King Park at 12:30 p.m.
Columbus Activities:
Friday, June 16:
■ Juneteenth Festival at Sim Scott Park at 7 p.m.
Saturday, June 17:
■ Juneteenth Parade in Downtown Columbus on Saturday morning at 10:00 a.m.
■ Juneteenth Festival at Sim Scott Park at noon
Monday, June 19:
■ Tailgate Party at the Lowndes County Soccer Complex from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
West Point Activities:
Saturday, June 17:
■ Juneteenth Celebration at Rose Hill Park featuring Mr. Gospel from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 48 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 48 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
Join the Discussion