Traditionally held at the Gardens on the U of A grounds, this annual event features an old-fashioned cookout, live performances, activities and playground for kids, free health fair with screenings including medical and dental from the NWA Community Clinic, musical entertainment and more.
The University of Arkansas start celebrating Juneteenth in 1997 under the direction of Dr. Lonnie R. Williams. For 26 years, we have celebrated this event!
Juneteenth celebrates African American freedom and achievement while encouraging continuous self-development and respect for all cultures. Juneteenth around the United States emphasize African American freedom and education, and are marked with picnics, family gatherings, and guest speakers.
Juneteenth, or the “19th of June”, is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. It recognizes June 19, 1865, in Galveston, TX, when Union General Gordon Granger announced freedom for all slaves in the Southwest This was the last major vestige of slavery in the United States following the end of the Civil War. This occurred more than two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued by President Abraham Lincoln. Upon the reading of General Order #3 by General Granger, the former slaves celebrated jubilantly, establishing America’s second Independence Day Celebration and the oldest African-American holiday observance. In 2006, the Arkansas Legislature first recognized Juneteenth as a state memorial day commemorated by the issuance of a proclamation from Governor Huckabee.
The NWA Juneteenth Celebration consists of free food, entertainment artists, musicians, activities and games for the children, and vendors.
NWA Juneteenth Committee Members
Danielle L. Williams, Chair
Ayanna Bledsoe
Elecia Smith
Erica P. Holliday
Javannah Hinton
J’onnelle Colbert-Diaz
Myrlinda Soedjede
Rosanna Davis
Sara Segerlin
Stephanie G. Adams
Stephen Gahagans
Takama Statton-Brooks
Tanya Cook
Xavier Smith
Community Cohesion Project Liaisons:
Kerlee Nicolas
Angela Collier
Music Moves Liaisons:
Anthony Ball
Reginald James
Interform Liaison
James Wheldon