Juneteenth celebrations are on the way…

Juneteenth celebrations are on the way…

Large gathering expected for June 17- 18 festivities

news@theeveningtimes.com

Desmond Hammett with the Mississippi County Juneteenth Committee says the group is well underway in the planning for their 2nd annual Juneteenth Celebration.

Save the date. The AAMOD Building located on the corner of Elm and McHaney in Blytheville, will be the place for Juneteenth festivities, expected to draw folks from around Eastern Arkansas.

Activities will kick off on Friday, June 17, at 5 p.m., at Pilgrim Rest M.B.

Church, with a sweet potato pie contest. Pies can be dropped off from 5 to 7 p.m. Two pies of the same recipe must be entered by each contestant, and the cost is $1 per pie. Contact Dr. Abraham at (870) 7632768 for more information.

Also at Pilgrim Rest, a Youth Oratorical Contest will be held, starting at 6 p.m. A $100 cash prize will be offered for the winners.

Youth are asked to write a three-minute original speech with the theme “Access to Information is the Key to Freedom.” Age groups are 6-12 and 13-18.

For more information, contact Irene Aldridge at (870) 740-3651.

Then, the big celebration will be on Saturday, June 18, starting with a parade at 9 a.m., at the Sav-A-Lot Building on West Main in Blytheville. This year's grand Marshalls are Mr.

and Mrs. Oscar Ford. If your group would like to participate, please contact Venita Nichols at (870) 740-2054.

After the parade, the celebration will continue at the AAMOD Building from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be African dancing, poetry, a Greek Show, informational booths and much more.

Please contact Michelle Sims at (501) 301-4226, if you would like to be a vendor, perform, or have an informational booth.

The public is invited to participate in the Juneteenth activities or just come out and be a part of the celebration. The Mississippi County Juneteenth Committee is accepting donations. Please make checks payable to Pilgrim Rest M.B. Church, and mail to P.O. Box 86, Blytheville, AR 72316. For more information contact Desmond Hammett at (901) 827-9129, or via e-mail at tej26@sbcglobal.net.

About Juneteenth is the oldest celebration commemorating

the end of slavery in the United

States. From its Galveston, Texas, origins in 1865, the observation of June 19 as African American Emancipation Day has spread across the country. Today, Juneteenth is a celebration of freedom. It is a time for reflection and rejoicing. It is a time for assessment, self-improvement and planning for the future. In cities across the country people of all races, nationalities and religions are joining hands to acknowledge a period in our history that shaped and continues to influence our society. Understanding the conditions and experiences of others can help us make significant and lasting improvements in our society.

By the Evening Times News Staff