Monroe declares Juneteenth Month, introduces calendar of events to celebrate

Ian Robinson, Monroe News-Star
·4 min read

The entire month of June has been declared Juneteenth Month in the City of Monroe.

Monroe Mayor Friday Ellis, Councilwoman Juanita Woods and members of the inaugural Juneteenth Steering Committee made the announcement at a press conference on the steps of Monroe City Hall on Monday.

Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, Jubilee Day and Cel-Liberation Day, commemorates the date when last documented, illegally detained slaves learned that they were free on June 19, 1865, roughly two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued.

The day was recognized as a national holiday on June 17, 2021, when President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law.

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"On this day, nearly 157 years later, we continue the spirit that symbolizes freedom" Woods said. "It symbolizes a great spirit of hope, empowerment, and transformation for our lives. We want to be sure we keep the flame ever burning in everyone's heart. We want to keep Juneteenth celebration respected, revered and never forgotten. We are ever mindful of the struggles of our past but truly blessed in the accomplishments of the present and our future."

Monroe City Councilwoman Juanita Woods announced Juneteenth Celebration Month at a press conference Monday morning on the steps of Monroe City Hall.
Monroe City Councilwoman Juanita Woods announced Juneteenth Celebration Month at a press conference Monday morning on the steps of Monroe City Hall.

Cheryl Sutton, Rebekah Martin and Angelica Cooper were introduced as members of the inaugural Juneteenth Planning Committee. The committee is responsible for assembling a calendar of activities and events within the city commemorating Juneteenth.

"I want to thank especially Councilwoman Woods for sharing our vision of how to expand the vision of Juneteenth and add opportunities for educational, cultural and economic benefit for our community," Sutton said. "I want to thank the City of Monroe for joining in the vision, the leadership in the Northeast Louisiana Delta African American Museum, the UMOIJA and relative newcomer Kiana Pollard for faithfully doing what they do and have been doing for years. I just want to congratulate, applaud and thank them for expanding on that foundation of leadership and service in the community."

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Although there is nothing anyone can do to solve the historical injustices against African Americans in the country, Ellis said, he's proud to do his part in ensuring that Juneteenth is celebrated in the City of Monroe.

"As mayor of Monroe and an acknowledgement of the work that everyone has done to plan the activities and to ensure the activities are celebrated as it should be," Ellis said. "I'd like to take this opportunity to recognize the month of June in the City of Monroe as Juneteenth Month and thank you to everyone."

Juneteenth Events

June 18

  • The 11th Annual Juneteenth Unity Parade will kick off with a parade at 11 a.m. The parade line-up starts at 9 a.m. at Wossman High School, 1600 Arizona Ave, and the route will end at the Louisiana Purchase Gardens & Zoo, 1405 Bernstein Park Rd. Parade admission is $4. Former Interim Monroe Police Chief Reggie Brown and Monroe Fire Captain Sabrina January will serve as Grand Marshals. The parade will be followed by the 11th Annual Juneteenth Festival at Charles Johnson Park, 3313 Bernstein Park Drive. For more information, contact Marie Brown at (318) 381-0028.

  • The Juneteenth Freedom Day Market, noon to 5 p.m., 316 S. Grand St., Monroe, will be a celebration of African American culture including food, local vendor and entertainment. For information, contact admin@mrbcc.org or call (318) 855-6238.

  • The 3rd Annual Juneteenth Jubilee: BlackNic Edition, 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., Forsythe Park, 2300 Sycamore St., Monroe, will be a gathering of of black-owned businesses, artists, health professionals and others. Networking, voter registration, fun, food, community uplift. Performers include hip hop artist Dee Lo Gray who will perform songs from "RE6ORN," his debut album.

June 19 

  • Family Fun Day at the NELA Delta African American Museum, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., 1051 Chennault Park Dr., Monroe, will be a day of family fun, games and activities.

  • Juneteenth Jubilee Presents: Brunch & Bubbly Fun Day Party Event Brunch, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., Chateau Rouge on the Bayou, 320 Virginia St., Monroe, features a relaxing day on the bayou with a brunch provided by Big Boys and free mimosas until 4 p.m. Fathers can enjoy complimentary cigars while supplies last. General admission is $20 and VIP is $40. Tickets are available at eventbrite.com.

For more information about the interactive calendar of Juneteenth events, visit google.com/view/juneteenth-month/home.

Follow Ian Robinson on Twitter @_irobinson and on Facebook at https://bit.ly/3vln0w1.

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This article originally appeared on Monroe News-Star: City of Monroe designates June as Juneteenth Celebration Month