Freedom Rings for Juneteenth in Fort Smith, Springdale, Siloam Springs By The Free Weekly Juneteenth, the oldest-known celebration commemorating the end of slavery in the United States, was celebrated with a series of events throughout Northwest Arkansas. Fort Smith In Fort Smith, the 24th Annual Juneteenth Jubilee took place at the Riverfront Amphitheater. The festival featured live music, food vendors, and a children’s area. Local officials, including Mayor George McGill, were in attendance to pay tribute to the significance of the day. Springdale Springdale’s Juneteenth Freedom Fest was held at J.B. Hunt Park. The event included a parade, a car show, and a community cookout. Families enjoyed live music, games, and educational exhibits celebrating African American history and culture. Siloam Springs Siloam Springs held its first Juneteenth Freedom Festival at Burgess Park. The festival featured live music, dancing, and presentations on the history of Juneteenth. Attendees also enjoyed a unity walk and a barbecue cookout. Significance of Juneteenth Juneteenth, short for June 19th, marks the day in 1865 when Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, to enforce the Emancipation Proclamation, which had been issued two years earlier. The announcement of the proclamation’s enforcement, which had been illegally withheld by Confederate officials, sparked jubilation and celebrations among enslaved people. Juneteenth is a reminder of the resilience and perseverance of African Americans in the face of oppression. It is a day to reflect on the progress that has been made and to acknowledge the challenges that still remain in the fight for racial equality. Community Involvement The Juneteenth celebrations in Northwest Arkansas were organized and supported by a diverse group of individuals and organizations, including churches, community leaders, and local businesses. The events were a testament to the importance of unity and reconciliation in the ongoing pursuit of justice and freedom.Freedom Rings for Juneteenth in Fort Smith, Springdale, and Siloam Springs
Freedom Rings for Juneteenth in Fort Smith, Springdale, and Siloam Springs By Monica Hooper Juneteenth celebrations are a time to remember and celebrate the emancipation of enslaved African Americans and the progress that has been made since then. This year, there will be events in Fort Smith, Siloam Springs, and Springdale to commemorate the holiday. Springdale The fourth annual Freedom Festival will take place on June 15th at Shiloh Square in Springdale. The event will feature live music, food trucks, a vendor market, and activities for kids. The musical lineup includes Cameo, Twista, and Donell Jones. Fort Smith The Fort Smith Juneteenth Festival will be held on June 14th and 15th at the Riverfront Amphitheater. The festival will feature live music, food, and information booths. Funk Factory and SYNRG will perform on the first night, and Natasha Brown and Nellie Tiger Travis will perform on the second night. Siloam Springs The Juneteenth Community CookOut will be held on June 19th at The Bridge Church in Siloam Springs. The event will feature free barbecue lunches, vendors, and activities for kids. For More Information * Freedom Festival: 2-9:30 p.m., June 15th, Shiloh Square in Springdale. * Fort Smith Juneteenth Festival: Gates open at 5 p.m., music at 6 p.m., June 14-15th at Riverfront Park, Fort Smith. * Juneteenth Community CookOut: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., June 19th, The Bridge Church at 511 W. Tulsa St., Siloam Springs.
On June 19, cities across Northwest Arkansas celebrated Juneteenth, a holiday commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. In Fort Smith, the day began with a parade featuring floats, marching bands, and community organizations. The parade ended at Riverfront Park, where a festival was held with live music, food vendors, and activities for children. Springdale also held a Juneteenth festival at Shiloh Square. The festival included live music, food, and vendors. There was also a children’s area with games and activities. In Siloam Springs, the Juneteenth celebration was held at the Siloam Springs Community Center. The event featured live music, food, and a speech by local historian Dr. Rosalyn Howard. Juneteenth is a day to celebrate the freedom and progress that African Americans have made since the end of slavery. It is also a day to reflect on the work that still needs to be done to achieve racial equality. “Juneteenth is a time to celebrate our freedom and to recommit ourselves to the fight for justice,” said Fort Smith Mayor George McGill. “We must never forget the sacrifices that were made to achieve this freedom, and we must continue to work to make sure that all Americans have the opportunity to live up to their full potential.”
