KLEK’s 5th annual Juneteenth in Jonesboro is going to be big and historic this year. From the first ever Juneteenth parade to the first ever fireworks display, we have many plans in store for you to help us celebrate freedom!
The past two years, we held Juneteenth virtually and weren’t able to have our typical community celebration. However, during that time, history was made across the country when lawmakers officially made Juneteenth a national holiday. Our Juneteenth in Jonesboro celebration will be a 4 day event beginning on Thursday, June 16 and going through the official Juneteenth holiday on Sunday, June 19. All events are FREE!
Thursday, June 16 – Juneteenth Kickoff Community Meet & Greet and Black Business Pop Up
Location: Legends BBQ Smokehouse and Lounge
1025 W. Johnson Avenue, Jonesboro AR | 6 P.M. – 9 P.M.
- Sponsored by Full Sun Gifts
We are rolling out the red carpet for the entire community to help us kick off this year’s Juneteenth celebration. Come by in your finest and meet some locally owned Black businesses and community organizations in a fun and vibrant atmosphere!
Friday, June 17 – Community Worship Service and Sweet Potato Pie Baking Contest
Location: Fisher Street Church of God In Christ International
125 N. Fisher Street, Jonesboro AR | 7 P.M. – 9 P.M. now 6:30 P.M. – 8:30 P. M.
- Sweet Potato Pie Baking Contest sponsored by Kool Kutts Enterprises
Get your praise on at the community worship service! We will have a guest speaker and anointed singing from local choirs. Also, show off your best sweet potato pie recipe in the pie baking contest for a chance to win $100! Enter your pie in the original category and/or the specialty category. Entries must be turned in by 6 to qualify. Judging will start at 6:20 P.M.
Saturday, June 18 – Multiple Events
Juneteenth Parade
Location: Downtown Jonesboro (Starting at the E. Boone Watson Center)
1005 Logan Avenue, Jonesboro AR | 11 A.M.
- Grandstand sponsored by Arvest Bank
We are kicking off this full day of events with the first ever Juneteenth Parade through Historic Downtown Jonesboro. The parade will be hosted by KAIT Anchor Jurnee Taylor and community leader Dr. Ray Scales and will be feature The Circle, a group consisting of the first Black professors ever to teach at Arkansas State University, who will be the grand marshals. The parade will start and end at the historic E. Boone Watson Community Center/Craighead County-Jonesboro African-American Cultural Center.
Red Cross Sickle Cell Awareness Blood Drive
Location: Parker Park
1506 North Church Street, Jonesboro AR | 12:30 P.M. – 5:30 P.M.
100,000 American have been diagnosed with sickle cell disease with 1 in 365 Black babies and 1 in more than 16,000 Hispanic-American babies being born with it. You can help the American Red Cross combat this disease by donating blood and plasma to help their cause. You can scheduled a time to donate here.
Annual Juneteenth in Jonesboro Community Fair & Fireworks Display
Location: University Heights Lions Club Park
5 1/2 North Bridge Street, Jonesboro AR | 2 P.M. – Sunset
- Sponsored by the Jonesboro Advertising and Promotions Commission, Blade Runner Lawn Care, Marilyn Newsom, Sonya Sanders: Realtor ERA Doty Real Estate, and Linda Spicer
It’s our big community fair! Join us for food, music, and fun at University Lions Park. Meet local businesses and community organizations, also bring your kids to play in the Kids Zone! We will also have DJ Mystachoo on the 1s-and-2s along with live performances by Alhassan Fofanah, Mark Hndrxx, Victoria Danielle, and Jazmine Selvy. Plus, A-State Assistant History Professor Dr. James Conway will give a special Juneteenth presentation. We’ll also announce the winners of the Sweet Potato Pie Baking Contest and end the evening with a spectacular, first ever fireworks display.
Sunday, June 19 – Official Juneteenth Proclamation
Location: KLEK Studios
1411 Franklin Street, Jonesboro AR | 5 P.M. – 6 P.M.
June 19th is the official Juneteenth national holiday (it will also coincide this year with Father’s Day). Jonesboro Mayor Harold Copenhaver, along with city officials and the press will be on hand to read a special proclamation commemorating Juneteenth!
T-Shirts & Sponsors
All of these events are free to attend. We appreciate our terrific sponsors for pitching in and helping us to keep this event free, which is in the spirit of Juneteenth. You can find a full list of sponsors at klekfm.org/juneteenth.
You can also make sure that you’re dress for the occasion. We have special Juneteenth in Jonesboro T-Shirts for sell at $25 at $20. You can pre-order your shirt now by contacting the station at 870-203-9951.
Comments