The Lafayette County Juneteenth Celebration will be held on Saturday, June 19, 2010. This year’s theme is “Family – Back Again in 2010”. The event will be located at the Fairground Park in Higginsville, MO. The parade starts downtown at 10 am.
Juneteenth or June 19 is most significant because it is a holiday, which is the oldest observance of the end of slavery in this country. Two thousand federal troops led by General Gordon Granger arrived at Galveston, Texas with a document that ordered the end of slavery. This was two and a half years after Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863.
Mary Turner is the chairperson for the celebration.
The Lafayette County Juneteenth Foundation proudly announces its educational program and exhibits, which will take place in the Edwin Schwitsky 4H building, following the opening ceremony. “We are excited about the speakers and the exhibitors who are volunteering their time to come and be a part of this celebration,” says Teresa Habernal, education coordinator.
During the opening ceremony we’ll be recognizing our Essay contest winner, Kiana Williams, 8 years old, who wrote about “Why I believe my father deserves special recognition”.
12:30 p.m. Donald Jackson, our Guest Speaker, graduate of Lafayette County C-1 High School, will talk on the subject of fatherhood. He retired from the United States Navy in 1980 after serving 22 years and applied the skills and expertise he acquired to land a position with National Steel Ship Building Company. Although being the father of biological, adopted and stepchildren has brought some challenges the lessons he’s learned and blessings he’s received have been invaluable. Now retired and residing in San Diego, CA. he enjoys hunting, fishing, helping family members, friends and giving back to the community,
1:00 p.m. Palmer’s Personal Touch & Fashion, Retail establishment in Marshall, Mo. Will present a fashion show showing the latest summer, casual and formal wear for men and women.
We’re excited about our returning as well as new Exhibitors who will be sharing some unique artifacts and valuable information.
10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. (unless otherwise noted)The following persons will have exhibits and information:
Margaret Banty – Black Inventors display. This extensive collection of artifacts is second to none.
Ronald Cole – African American Memorabilia
Virginia Houston- Pennytown display will feature information about a black hamlet that is located 8 miles south of Marshall, MO east of 65 Highway. Approximately 40 families inhabited this black township. The Pennytown Freewill Baptist Church is the only building that remains. It was listed on the National Historic Register of Historic Places in 1988.
10:00 – 12:30 Lynda Johnson - University of MO Extension- will be bringing information about the University of Missouri Extension’s Small Business and Technology Development Centers FastTrac NewVenture program and other business related programs. If being an entrepreneur is on your mind come and find out about these program.
12:30 – 3:00 Susan Jaster – Innovative Small Farmers’ Outreach Program. Will provide information about how this program can assists small farmers, especially underserved ethnic people, involved in or interested in farming, agricultural entrepreneurship, gardening and gardening for profit. Our main focus is to help folks better manage their resources, reduce costs, increase income and improve overall well being. She’ll also be bringing a small worm farm so the children can have fun picking up the red wiggler earthworms.
Carolyn Boland, RN, with Lafayette County Health Dept. Will do FREE cholesterol and blood sugar screenings to those attending Juneteenth celebration.
Tynisha Gantt, MBA, Epidemiology Specialist, with the Kansas City Health Dept. Will have information on communicable disease prevention and public health preparedness. HIV testing will be available.
Christal Milligan with House of Hope, Inc.
Drew Burkeybile, Admissions Representative & Dual Enrollment Coordinator with Wentworth College, one of the oldest two-year colleges west of the Mississippi. The College offers high school graduates the same courses in liberal arts and science that are available in the leading universities and colleges throughout the United States. Drew would be answering questions and discussing the college application process, available scholarships, etc.
Odessa, Mo Black History display
Contact Mary Turner, chairperson at 816-263-2294 for further information.
