The Juneteenth celebration will continue.
Following last weekend’s downtown event, the Mansfield chapter of the NAACP will hold the inaugural Juneteenth Jubilee Banquet starting at 6 p.m. Saturday at the Mid-Ohio Conference Center, 890 W. Fourth St.
Juneteenth, officially named Juneteenth National Independence Day, is a national holiday in the United States that commemorates the end of slavery. It is celebrated on June 19 and honors the day in 1865 when Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to announce that all enslaved people in the state were free, marking a significant moment in the fight for freedom and equality.
“Everyone didn’t get the news at the same time,” said Alomar Davenport, president of the local NAACP.
Saturday’s fundraising event will be a celebration of freedom, culture and unity. Davenport said it will be “more of an experience.” He is in his first year as president.
“One of the goals of this new administration is to cater to a younger demographic to bring new members in,” he said.
The local Juneteenth celebration will include art, dance, spoken word, music and a fashion show showcasing African dress. Those attending are asked to wear Juneteenth colors: black, red, green and yellow or gold.
Local artist Mark Calloway will have his work on display. He is best known for bold color, portraits and abstract oil painting. Calloway says his prayer is to “edify my audience with a positive narrative of life and emotion.”
The event will start with a community mixer at 6 p.m., followed by dinner and formal program at 7. A DJ will spin the latest line dance music to wrap up the evening.
“Your attendance and support will directly benefit the Mansfield NAACP’s ongoing mission: to foster an inclusive and liberated community where civil and human rights are respected and protected for all,” a press release said. “By joining us, you help us deepen our impact and strengthen our commitment to justice and equality.”
Tickets are $50 per person. To purchase tickets, contact Davenport at 646-691-7242, Anne Rhodes at 567-307-9209, Winston Greene at 419-610-1600, Victoria Pounds at 419-295-2063 or Angela Brooks-Wright at 419-967-1843.
mcaudill@gannett.com
419-521-7219
X: @MarkCau32059251
This article originally appeared on Mansfield News Journal: Cause for celebration: Local chapter of NAACP holding Juneteenth Jubilee Banquet
Reporting by Mark Caudill, Mansfield News Journal / Mansfield News Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
