An annual tradition for community members to enjoy each other’s company, the 35th Juneteenth Celebration will be held June 13 and 14 at the L.G. Griffin Park located in Levelland.
The Juneteenth Celebration Committee President, Glenda Jones, explained that this celebration is very important to not only her but her fellow community members. She has been a part of this celebration since it began in 1990. In the past 35 years since she’s been doing this, she has seen this celebration grow in unique ways and doesn’t see it ending anytime soon.
“I’m surprised that we have people who always come back to this event. They look forward to coming back every year and they do. They love it,” said Jones. “This has been happening for 35 years, and we haven’t skipped a beat. I feel like with 35 years, I don’t see this dying anytime soon.
“I really want this event to be turned over to the next generation. I’m hoping that when all the committee members who have been here as long as I have, we’re hoping everything that they’ve learned is enough so they can just take it and continue it here in this community.”
Emphasizing the event is to celebrate the freedom of African Americans, Jones hopes the younger generation will continue to learn what the overall event is about.
“It’s a celebration to celebrate the freedom of African Americans,” stated Jones. “It’s a time to get together because this generation that’s coming up, some of them have no idea about Juneteenth and what it really means.”
The two-day event begins on Friday and continues through Saturday. Dominos, bingo and kid’s games are a few activities attendees can participate in. They will have food and drinks to buy as well.
“On Friday we have kid’s games, bingo and dominoes with prizes to give out. We have music where people can listen and reconnect with everyone,” said Jones. “One of my favorite things has become my husband’s turkey legs. We have something for everyone.”
On Saturday morning starting at 9 a.m. they will have a car show. This is the third year the committee will be having this event. There will be awards for the car show and at the end of it there will be a parade with all the cars.
“We’ve had a good turnout for it but I’m hoping it’ll be better this year,” said Jones.
At 1 p.m. there will be the annual picnic. They will recognize the veterans, present the LG Griffin scholarship, and recognize the people who once lived in the community that are no longer with us today.
“We will have a big dinner with brisket and hot dogs. There will also be door prizes and two lottery ticket baskets.” stated Jones.
This is the third year for the lottery baskets, with one basket this year being worth $150 and another being $250.
Later that day, City of Levelland Mayor Breaan Buxkemper will be in attendance and sign a proclamation. There will also be a basketball tournament held at 9 a.m. and for the second year in a row they will host a cornhole tournament at 6 p.m.
“It’s just a big gathering where people can come out and have a great time,” said Jones.
Jones expressed that everyone is welcome and wants everyone to come and join in this amazing event. Jones wants people to come out and learn about what this event truly means.
“There’s still so much work to do, we want people in the community to know it’s not just for African Americans. Anyone that wants to come is more than welcome,” said Jones. “It’s an amazing opportunity and our ancestors fought for us to live. It’s just a good time and we must keep this in front of everyone, we must keep it going.