Annual Juneteenth Celebration at Midtown Carnegie Branch June 14
May 28, 2014 —
All ages are invited to the annual celebration of Juneteenth from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, June 14, on the parking lot of the Midtown Carnegie Branch Library, 397 E. Central St. The event will include activities for children and families, and refreshments.
The Springfield NAACP, in partnership with the Springfield-Greene County Libraries and Missouri State University, will host this year’s annual celebration.
“Juneteenth is the oldest, nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States,” said Cheryl Clay, president of Springfield NAACP. “Today Juneteenth commemorates Black Americans’ freedom and emphasizes education and achievement.
“Across the country, people of all races are joining hands to truthfully acknowledge a period in our history that shaped and continues to influence our society today,” she added. “My hope is that our community will embrace the spirit of Juneteenth as one of freedom and culture.”
Free activities will include booths from various community organizations; Mr. E. Balloons & Magic; event emcee/D.J.s Anthony Ward and Ko Co Dear; music by Show me records musical artists; remarks by Patricia Burton and the Rev. Chris Grandberry; and Grupo Latinoamericano Dance Company; storytelling and children’s book giveaways; and a balloon animal giveaway. The Springfield NAACP will also collect school supplies for its fall project.
Parking will be available on the Central High School parking lots. For more information call 862-0135.