‘Juneteenth Arkansas’ preparing for second annual festival

LITTLE ROCK, Ark — Final yr, Juneteenth formally turned a federal vacation that is celebrated by all.

In consequence, it was additionally the primary yr that Juneteenth Arkansas held their pageant occasion at Interstate Park. Now for his or her second yr, founder Ebony Kimbrough stated organizers are aiming to make it larger and higher.

She stated that this occasion happened by means of a collection of conversations amongst members of the neighborhood.

“It form of makes me a little bit teary-eyed as a result of it actually was only a dialog that began on Fb like, ‘Hey guys what are we going to do for Juneteenth’ and this was final yr,” stated Kimbrough.

She stated final yr that they had 5,000 individuals in attendance. This yr, they’re anticipating double.

One other distinction this yr? They’re going to be giving out scholarships to native college students.

As for the specifics of the occasion, it is set to happen on Saturday, June 18 with a parade from 2:00 p.m. till 4:00 p.m., which is able to begin on twelfth Road and Broadway earlier than touring to Interstate Park the place the pageant will start.

Kimbrough stated the occasion will function actions resembling horse again driving, amusement rides, mountain climbing, and face portray. They stated there will even be quite a few Black distributors who’ll be promoting services for these in attendance. 

Having these enterprise house owners and meals distributors was key for Kimbrough in ensuring that cash flows all through the African American neighborhood on account of the occasion.  

Though the vacation has change into a federal one, she needs to make it some extent to maintain it cultural. 

“The occasion is for everyone. Juneteenth is inclusive, however the Black greenback circulates within the Black neighborhood for six hours,” stated Kimbrough.

She additionally spoke on the notion that African American’s do not spend inside their very own neighborhood.

The statistics have been argued for many years, however the wealth hole within the Black neighborhood remains to be obvious based on Kimbrough, who research finance.

“We try to shut that wealth hole. It clicked in my head that we as an African American neighborhood, we have to be sure that we’re creating income and that we’re buying with each other,” stated Kimbrough.

The vacation acquired its identify by combining June and 19– the day and month that signified freedom. The day can be known as “Juneteenth Independence Day,” “Freedom Day,” or “Emancipation Day.”

As for the Juneteenth Arkansas Pageant, those that have an interest can go to 3900 S. Arch Road in Little Rock on June 18 to participate within the festivities.