More than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed, federal troops arrived in Texas, the last stronghold of institutionalized slavery, on June 19, 1865, to inform more than 250,000 enslaved people in the state of their freedom.
The day became known as Juneteenth. The holiday was primarily celebrated in Texas before growing in significance across the nation, including annual local celebrations in the Golden Triangle. It was declared a federal holiday in June 2021.
This year, the Golden Triangle will be commemorating Juneteenth with a slate of activities and events planned to celebrate Black history, culture and progress.
Yulanda Haddix, president for the Oktibbeha County Branch of NAACP, said Starkville’s Juneteenth celebrations this year are all about community.
“This year is going to be a great year because we’ve worked really hard to make sure we reach everyone,” she said. “Everyone has really embraced our celebration, but we find that a lot of groups really want to be a part of the community, but they don’t know the entrances. … We need to start embracing those individuals.”
In the spirit of inclusivity, all of the Juneteenth events in Starkville are free, Haddix said, aside from the NAACP’s annual Freedom Fund Banquet fundraiser Sunday night.
Starkville’s Juneteenth celebrations kick off with an opening ceremony at 4 p.m. Friday at J.L. King Park, followed by live jazz and blues music.
On Saturday, festivities start with a 5K run or walk starting at the J.L. King Center. After the run, there will be a health fair hosted by University of Mississippi Medical Center and OCH Regional Medical Center.
Haddix told The Dispatch anyone is welcome to attend the Juneteenth celebrations regardless of cultural background.
“Our intent is to make sure everyone comes to have a great time and realize the true meaning of collaboration and community,” she said. “It’s all about community. It doesn’t matter what color you are or how much money you have … you’ll have a great time.”
In Columbus, festivities kicked off Saturday with the annual Juneteenth Ball. Lowndes County District 5 Supervisor Leroy Brooks said the event had a great turnout with about 300 people attending.
Celebrations will pick back up Friday at 7 p.m. in Sim Scott Park with the Juneteenth Music Festival. Brooks said the Friday festival will include performances from two DJs and one live entertainer as well as about 20 different food and clothing vendors for attendees to enjoy.
Festivities continue at 10 a.m. Saturday with the third annual Juneteenth Parade. Brooks said anyone that is interested in participating in the parade can contact him to be added to the lineup.
Brooks said he hopes the festivities bring people together to celebrate and remember the historical significance of what happened in 1965.
“Being 70 years old, I can just remember a lot of history growing up,” Brooks said. “These historical days dealing with freedom and emancipation of people resonate with me, and so the opportunity to celebrate and bring people together and remind them of the historical struggle is really important.”
Juneteenth Schedule:
Starkville
Friday, June 14:
• Opening Ceremony, Jazz and Blues Festival at Westside Park from 4 to 10 p.m.
Saturday, June 15:
• 5K Run/Walk and Health Fair at J.L. King Center/Westside park starting at 7 a.m.
• Boys to Men Life Camp at Shira Fieldhouse on the MSU Campus from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at Unity Park on Main Street starting at 11 a.m.
• Jazz Festival in celebration of Frankie Beverly and Maze at Renasant Plaza from 5 to 10 p.m.
Sunday, June 16:
• NAACP Freedom Fund Banquet at the Travis Outlaw Center starting at 5 p.m.
Wednesday, June 19:
• Juneteenth Celebration Art Gallery at J.L, King Center starting with lunch at noon followed by art gallery viewing from 1 to 2 p.m.
Columbus
Friday, June 14:
• Juneteenth Festival at Sim Scott Park starting at 7 p.m.
Saturday, June 15
• Juneteenth Parade in Downtown Columbus at 10 p.m.
• Juneteenth Festival at Sim Scott Park from 4:30 to 10 p.m.
McRae is a general assignment and education reporter for The Dispatch.
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