Juneteenth celebration is Saturday
Published 1:53 pm Tuesday, June 9, 2015
The 20th Annual Juneteenth celebration will be Saturday, June 13, at Kelsey Park on Old Wilkesboro Road. The event begins at 10 a.m.
This year’s event is sponsored by King Ahauserus Lodge 127 and Vashti Chapter 122 under the jurisdiction United National Supreme Council, Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, Freemasons of the World, 33rd and Last Degree and Order of Eastern Star Inc.
On Saturday, the lodge and chapter will provide a fun-filled family day, kicking off at 10 a.m. with local vendors. At 1 p.m., the celebration will officially start. Alex Clark will open the program and proceed with the Apollo talent show for children, teens and adults. There is no charge to perform and a cash prize will be awarded to each category winner.
At 5 p.m., the gospel program will be emceed by the Doctor of Comedy Cindy Mae, with local talent performances. Children’s games, blood pressure checks and football games will be a few of the activities during the day. There will be 20 or more food and merchandise vendors.
The history of Juneteenth originates with Texas slaves being freed two years after the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863. It provides the community a chance to create its own history with 20 years of celebration.
The first Juneteenth in Rowan County was hosted by the NAACP, although all the facts are not known as to when it occurred and where. In June 1995, the Rowan Area Minority Business Association (RAMBA) sponsored Juneteenth to bring awareness back to the community.
That year (RAMBA) promoted community awareness, history of the Juneteenth celebration, and a networking and sharing opportunity of local African American businesses. After several years of hosting, RAMBA passed the torch to the Pride of Salisbury Elk Lodge. Afterward, the First Legacy Federal Credit Union and Juneteenth Committee partnered under the leadership of Sherry Hawthorne.
Going forward, organizers would like to continue the rich history of being freed and creative, motivating all to bring awareness to culture and literacy.
On behalf of the Juneteenth Celebration, Jill Burch would like to thank everyone who sponsored and participated Juneteenth in the past. Special thanks to Salisbury Park and Recreation, Salisbury Fire Department, Salisbury Post, World of Faith Ministries, MacAttack Chicken and Chi Beta Phi Sorority which are all long-standing supporters.
The community may bring lawn chairs to enjoy the great food, fellowship and family fun.
