Juneteenth: Here's a guide to some of the holiday's celebrations across Brevard
Juneteenth - short for "June nineteenth" - is an annual holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States.
Here's a guide to some of the Juneteenth celebrations across Brevard. At each of the events, Little Black Book Drive/Space Coast will distribute hundreds of new books to young readers.
Cocoa
Juneteenth celebration: The event at Cocoa Riverfront Park, 401 Riveredge Blvd., Cocoa, on Saturday, June 18 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. will celebrate excellence, freedom and legacy. It will feature guest speakers Stephon Williams and Dr. Tameka Hobbs. Reflections band will perform on the main stage. There will also be performances by Emma Jewel Charter Academy step team. Food trucks, vendors and a local legends display will be inside the Civic Center. Call 321-639-3500 or visit https://www.cocoafl.gov/calendar.aspx?eid=5224
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Melbourne
South Brevard Juneteenth celebration: The event at Riverview Park, 2400 Riverview Drive, Melbourne will be on Saturday, June 18 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The celebration was created to bring the community together and showcase local businesses. It will feature Black excellence awards, a community spotlight, performances by Tiffany Joi, Kristen Warren and Creek. There will also be a kids' zone, vendors and more. Visit https://www.facebook.com/events/809291733364575.
Mims
Juneteenth celebration: The event at Cuyler Park, 2329 Harry T. Moore Ave., Mims, will be on Saturday, June 18 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The day of fun will include food, vendors, door prizes and a kid's corner. There will be a featured speaker opening the event, dancers throughout the day and a drum circle. Brevard County Sheriff's Office will also provide K-9 and motorcycle demonstrations.
Black Women's Roundtable will also host "Healthy Wealthy and Wise Summit" in the Warren Building at Cuyler Park from 8 a.m. to noon. It will include speakers, a continental breakfast, door prizes and lunch. Both events are free to attend.
Christina LaFortune is the Entertainment and TgIF Editor at FLORIDA TODAY. Follow her on Facebook at facebook.com/christinalafortune, on Twitter at @lafortunec, or send her an email at clafortune@floridatoday.com.
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This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Juneteenth in Brevard: A guide to June 19 celebrations across Brevard
