The Montgomery-Radford-Floyd NAACP branch 7092 will present the 2018 Juneteenth Celebration from 11a.m.–4 p.m. on Saturday at Rosa Peters Playground (300 Depot Street Christiansburg).
This year’s Juneteenth festival marks 153 years commemorating the emancipation from slavery of African-American people in Texas June 19, 1865, two years after the original proclamation and months after the end of the Civil War.
“Join us in our celebration of Juneteenth!” the NAACP announcement said. “There will be music, games, entertainment, prizes and fun. The pool will be open and free to all! Community organizations will have booths.”
Juneteenth celebrations are held throughout the nation.
Cosponsored by the Montgomery County-Radford City-Floyd County and Pulaski County Branches of the NAACP, there will be a fish fry, hot dogs and more said the announcement, including Master Sergeant Barbecue with proceeds benefiting the Youth Council of the Montgomery-Radford-Floyd NAACP.
The Montgomery Co-Radford City Floyd Co Branch and NAACP Youth Council had the first official Juneteenth Celebration in June 2003.
“The thinking was to let the community know what “Juneteenth” is and why we celebrate. It was also started to bring community together for entertainment and camaraderie, and celebrate the achievements of African Americans despite the horrible past of slavery,” Deborah Travis, MRF NAACP Youth Advisor and Fundraising co-chair said. “The Youth Council presented a program on the meaning of Juneteenth and why we celebrate and why it is important to remember the past, but also to embrace diversity and work together as a community,” she said.
Poetry, music, dancing and good food is all part of the celebration.
For more information, visit: www.facebook.com/events/601607690192250/ or www.facebook.com/mrfnaacp.org/.
