Oxonians Celebrate Seventh Annual Juneteenth

Many Oxonians celebrated the historic day of abolition of slavery in United States with the seventh annual Juneteenth celebration this entire weekend.

Oxonians kicked off Juneteenth celebration on Friday night with an Essences local square African folk dance at the Locals’ bar on the Square.

Cecelia Webb, co-organizer of the celebration, said there were 40 vendors with free food and live entertainment and also a D.J. that Saturday in the Oxford Middle School parking lot from 3 to 8 p.m. On Sunday the celebrators met at the Stone Center and attended Praise in the Park from 6 to 9 p.m.

Cecelia Webb said Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of slavery’s end in United States since its origin in Galveston, Texas in 1856 on which June 19 is observed. The celebration came a little early for Oxford, but this year’s celebration focused on raising awareness of the truth meaning of Juneteenth and creating positive changes within communities.

Lasharda Leasy, Tiara Mabry and Takiiah Parker represented Sigma Gamma Rho at the festival.

Martin L. Tyson with his daughter Telihia enjoyed campaigning at Juneteenth too.

Oxford All-Stars sang Soul Man as many danced to their tune.

Jay and Cris Hughes enjoyed campaigning at the Juneteenth festival!

The kids cooled off during the sweltering day at Juneteenth.

Second M.B. church served shaved ice to help everyone cool off. (left to right) Lavorace Frierson, Gigi Presley, Ai’nayiah Dean, and Moriah Price.

Amy Davis (left) and Jennifer Bobo-Milliner (right) represented Delta Sigma Theta at the Juneteenth.

The Mounted Patrol’s new horse, Lamar (left), did well at the festival.

Callie Daniels is a staff reporter and writer at HottyToddy.com. She can be reached at callie.daniels@hottytoddy.com.