There are a LOT of opportunities to celebrate Juneteenth this year. Take a look at some of the events being held throughout Arkansas by a host of organizations and communities. This year’s Juneteenth takes on an extra note of significance with Congress and the Biden-Harris administration officially recognizing Juneteenth as a federal holiday. So let’s get out there and celebrate!
Elaine
Elaine Legacy Center, NAACP // Juneteenth Celebration and Marade // 313 College Ave. Elaine, AR 72333
The Marade will begin at 11:45 am at Poindexter Fiser Park. “Everyone is invited to participate by driving, walking, and/or riding a bike. Make a “Freedom Sign” if you like to display on your car or walk with it!
THE MARADE WILL BE FOLLOWED BY A CELEBRATION PROGRAM @ THE ELAINE LEGACY CENTER.
SPEAKERS: STATE SENATOR STEPHANIE FLOWERS (BEING HONORED), REV. ARTE JAMES, “PASTOR OF ELAINE,” DR. O. JEROME GREEN, PRESIDENT, SHORTER COLLEGE.
FEATURING: AN EXHIBIT, “THE FLOWERS FAMILY: FOUR GENERATIONS FIGHTING FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE!” WILL BE PRESENTED BY (EMOH) AND THE UAPB UNIVERSITY MUSEUM AND CULTURAL CENTER.
A FREE DINNER WILL BE SERVED.
SPONSORS: ELAINE LEGACY CENTER, ELIZA MILLER OPPORTUNITY HUB, JUSTICE NOW COALITION, AND THE LITTLE ROCK NAACP More information here >>>
Dumas
Arkansas Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission // Victory Over Violence Peace And Unity March & Juneteenth Nonviolence Youth Summit // 709 Dan Gill Dr, Dumas, AR 71639
The march and a range of events including the Delta Financial Literacy Program on Saturday, June 19 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Dumas High School. The event is free and open to the public and will include involvement from Pine Bluff, McGehee, Dumas, Dermott, and Lake Village. The keynote speakers will be Selwyn Jones, uncle of the late George Floyd, and Tawanna Gordon, cousin of the late Breonna Taylor, according to a news release. More information here >>>
Arkadelphia
Clark County NAACP // Celebrations of Freedom // Feaster Park Pavilion, 92 Pinnacle Dr, Arkadelphia, AR 71923
The event kicks off at noon at the Fester Park Pavilion. Lunch will be served and the event will feature a Black owned business expo, bounce houses, panel discussions, and history lessons. The event is hosted by the Clark County NAACP Unit 6005. More information here >>>
Little Rock
Mosaic Templars Cultural Center // Annual Juneteenth Celebration // 501 W 9th St, Little Rock, AR 72201
Juneteenth Arkansas Festival on Saturday, June 19, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Parade begins at 10 a.m. on Ninth Street by the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center and ends at Interstate Park. At the park, attendees are invited to participate in kickball, food, water slides, vendors, music, a kid zone, African cultural education, and more. Check out their website >>>
Northwest Arkansas
Juneteenth Committee & Community Cohesion Project // CCP x University of Arkansas Juneteenth Celebration // Virtual (register here)
For those who register and attend a swag bag will be handed out at at the Rogers Farmers Market from a.m. to 11 a.m. More information here >>>
City of Fort Smith // Juneteenth: Celebrate Freedom // 121 Riverfront Dr, Fort Smith, AR 72901
A celebration at River Park and the Riverfront Amphitheater, including music, dancing, and comedy from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. More information here >>>
Let’s Talk NWA //
6:15 p.m. to 9:45 p.m. – Fayetteville
Let’s Talk NWA is holding a concert celebration with free food at Spring Shop Studios. More information here >>>
Crystal Bridges Museum // Forest Concert Series: //
7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. – Bentonville
Crystal Bridges is hosting a Forest Concert Series is hosting an exploration of Black protest music from the 1970s to the present. More information here >>>