ELIZABETHTOWN — On June 19, 1865, enslaved African-Americans in Texas were told they were free. African Americans in the United States began and continue to celebrate the day, which is now a federal holiday.

The day was first recognized as a federal holiday in June 2021, when President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law. Juneteenth in the United States. Juneteenth in the United States (timeanddate.com)

Some current celebrations take place by families barbecuing right at home where food is a fundamental element. Recently cities like Atlanta and Washington, organized and conducted larger events, including parades and festivals.

The second annual celebrations took place in Elizabethtown on Saturday, June 18, with a fun day on the football field at the Elizabethtown Middle School. The Black National Anthem was played with colors presented by the cadets of Paul R. Brown Leadership Academy. There was food, bounce houses, music and vendors displaying/dispensing educational resources, pamphlets, shirts etc.

Minister Fletcher Collins provided a significant message.

A “Gospel Explosion” kicked off the second day, Sunday, June 19, at 2 p.m. in the Elizabethtown Middle School gymnasium with gospel groups, singers, psalmists and speakers. The cadets again presented the colors while the Black National Anthem was performed by the audience. Master/Mistress of Ceremonies; Pastor Corey M. Lyons and Rev. D’Vora Lennon.

Musical renditions were by Pastor Tony Hill, Pastor Michael McKinley, Pastor Ollie Maultsby, Mr. Charlie Lennon, Sounds of the Spirit, Ms. Brendella Alford, Mr. Tyshawn Swindell, Mr. Spencer Demery, Unity, the Baldwin Branch MBC Praise Ensemble and others. Ms. Sharon Samuels provided an awesome state of the occasion and a poem by Maya Angelou, “One More Round”. Comments were presented by Mr. Hakeem Brown, Sheriff Candidate and Ms. Althea Dixon Weaver, Clerk of Court Candidate. Mr. Harfel Davis, Board of Education Candidate was in attendance. Ms. Trelena Brown, physician assistant, capped off the celebrations with a COVID-19 extremely significant medical update.

Annual Juneteenth Scholarship

A $1,000 scholarship was awarded to Brionna I. Autry. She is a 2022 graduate of Jack Britt High School of Fayetteville with a 3.90 GPA.

Her plan is to attend East Carolina University and obtain a major in music education with a minor in musical theatre.

The scholarship was financed by Mr. Wendell Johnson.