The Mosaic Templars Cultural Center hosts a Juneteenth celebration Saturday starting at noon.

  • Mosaic Templars Cultural Center
  • The Mosaic Templars Cultural Center hosts a Juneteenth celebration Saturday starting at noon.

JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION
Noon. Mosaic Templars Cultural Center. Free.

Advertisement

Juneteenth, which commemorates the announcement of the end of slavery in Texas, is now a state holiday or observance in 41 states, including Arkansas. Though the Emancipation Proclamation became official in 1863, it wasn’t until 1865 that the news reached Texas and Gen. Gordon Granger began enforcement of emancipation on June 19. The holiday was typically observed at churches and in rural areas — because of segregation — and usually entailed barbecues, games, rodeos, fishing and prayer services, according to Juneteenth.com.

The Mosaic Templars Cultural Center will celebrate the holiday with activities for kids, food vendors, live entertainment, a rock climbing wall and more, from noon to 7 p.m. The celebration includes live music from Nicky Parrish, Afrodesia with Tim Anthony, Essie the Blues Lady, The Girls & Boys Choir of Little Rock, Butterfly and Irie Soul, Billy Jones Bluez, The Gloryland Pastors Choir and Foreign Tongues poetry group.

Advertisement

At 1:30 p.m., there will be a short play about the importance of celebrating Juneteenth.

Invest in the future of great journalism in Arkansas

Join the ranks of the 63,000 Facebook followers, 58,000 Twitter followers, 35,000 Arkansas blog followers, and 70,000 daily email blasts who know that the Arkansas Times is the go-to source for tough, determined, and feisty journalism that holds the powerful accountable. For 50 years, our progressive, alternative newspaper in Little Rock has been on the front lines of the fight for truth, and with your support, we can do even more. By subscribing or donating to the Arkansas Times, you'll not only have access to all of our articles, but you'll also be helping us hire more writers and expand our coverage. Don't miss out on the opportunity to make a difference with your subscription or donation to the Arkansas Times today.

Previous article Saturday To-Do: ‘Richard III’ Next article Saturday To-Do: S.L. Jones