The popularity of Juneteenth celebrations in general is growing. Little Rock's Mosaic Templars Cultural Center hosted this year's sesquicentennial of the holiday, a celebration of the end of slavery in the 19th century, as well as a nod to black culture and black achievement.
On June 20, the center hosted its seventh annual outdoor festival. The event included a mini-car show, compliments of the A-State Corvette Association; pony rides by the Down to Earth Riders; and a film festival. Despite the heat, young attendees took advantage of the rock climbing wall.
Vendors served up a mix of food, fashion items and education. Other attractions included the Economic Empowerment Workshop Series by Arvest Bank; the museum's "'Freedom! Oh, Freedom!': Arkansas' People of African Descent and the Civil War: 1861-1866" exhibit; and tours of the nearby Dreamland Ballroom. Cedric Hayes brought his renowned Pastor's Choir back to the performance stage, much to the delight of attendees who praised God to the tune of the group's performance of such gospel tunes as "Any Way You Bless Me Lord." Other performers included Epiphany (aka Big Piph), the Big John Miller Band and Tomorrow Maybe.
Juneteenth falls on June 19. History has it that on that day in 1865, Union soldiers led by Major General Gordon Granger went to Galveston, Texas, with news that the Civil War had ended and the slaves were now free.
High Profile on 06/28/2015