The Juneteenth celebrations in Monroe, Louisiana, have been in full swing, with a grand parade last week and more festivities planned for the coming days. The annual Juneteenth parade, featuring the Carroll High School Band, marched from Wossman High School to Charles Johnson Park, where over 300 people enjoyed free food and participated in various activities.
Parade coordinators, led by Marie Brown, expressed gratitude to sponsors for their support in making the family-friendly event a success once again. The parade and subsequent activities paid tribute to Empress Verdiacee Hampton Goston, founder of the Town of Richwood and empress of the Kingdom of Dugdemonia. Mayor Gerald Brown presented a plaque recognizing the town’s founder as part of Richwood’s celebration.
“Our community is privileged to have exceptional individuals who have shown remarkable dedication to our community’s growth and progress,” Brown said. “These individuals have stood firmly behind family members who have been at the forefront of various endeavors, providing them with unwavering support and encouragement.”
The celebrations also honored other prominent women in the community, including Mrs. Geneva Gray, Rotena Russell, and Mrs. Ola Gant.
The Juneteenth festivities continue on Saturday, June 29, with the NELA African American Heritage
Museum hosting its annual Health and Healing 1K/5K event. The free event, sponsored by Northeast Delta Human Services Authority, Black Creative Circle of North Louisiana, and the Northeast Louisiana Black Chamber of Commerce, will take place from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. at 1051 Chennault Park Dr.
To round out the festivities, the Monroe Regional Black Chamber of Commerce is hosting a 2024 Juneteenth Weekend Kick-Off “All White Party” on Friday, June 21, from 7 p.m. to midnight at the “W Event Center.” Attendees can look forward to networking opportunities, live music, and a DJ.
As communities come together to celebrate Juneteenth, these events serve as a reminder of the holiday’s historical significance and its ongoing importance in promoting unity, equality, and understanding. The recognition of Juneteenth as a federal holiday in 2021 has provided an opportunity for all Americans to reflect on the legacy of slavery and the long struggle for freedom and equality.
