KENNER, La (press release) – You’re invited to join in on June 18-19, at the 6th CommUNITY Juneteenth Festival in Rivertown at 410 William Blvd. Parking Lot in Kenner. The festival begins at 11:00 a.m. each day and ends at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday and 5:00 p.m. on Sunday. Sunday will be a special salute day for Fathers and Father Figures, and a Special Ecumenical Service, which begins the day at 11 a.m.
The festival will highlight Juneteenth History; entrepreneurial arts, crafts, and product vendors; food vendors; a Children’s Big Tent where they can learn African drum-making and dance, play fun games, and receive books and supplies for summer reading, community resources, COVID information, and on Sunday, June 19, Father’s Day a picture for Fathers and their family and a special Father’s Day gift, etc. The Entertainers Stage will showcase New Orleans Finest: Charmaine Neville and Amasa Miller, Linda Wright, Gina Brown, Called to Worship, Zena Moses, Kim Phillips, Zulu Gospel Choir, Rechell Cook and Band, Mardi Gras Indians, Favor and more.
We are still looking for Youth Entrepreneurs for a special workshop and the possibility of a free booth as a vendor. Please send an email to rejoicegnojuneteenth@gmail.com.
On June 16, 2021, Gov. Edwards signed HB 554 (Act 128) by Baton Rouge Rep. Larry Selders enacting the Juneteenth celebration into law and making it a permanent state holiday on the third Saturday in June. Juneteenth celebrates the day in 1865 when Union Major General Gordon Granger brought word of their freedom to the last remaining enslaved African Americans in Texas, two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation. In a statement announcing the declaration, Governor Edwards called Juneteenth “a day of learning, sharing and honoring the history, culture, and achievements of African Americans throughout the state and nation. Juneteenth is a celebration of freedom and justice, and it is a reminder of the strength and resolve of African Americans throughout history.”
This national celebration brings together people of every ethnic group to celebrate freedom, reflect on our past and look with hope to a bright future. This event is co-sponsored by Councilman Gregory Carroll, Kenner City Council District 1 and Councilman Byron Lee, Jefferson Parish Council District 3.
REJOICE, Inc. is the 501(c)(3) nonprofit outreach of New Birth Cathedral of Glory Ministries serving families throughout Jefferson, Orleans and the River Parishes assisting them to get on their feet and stay on their feet. These services by an all-volunteer staff include but are not limited to: providing school supplies, uniforms and books for holiday and summer reading; skills development workshops; financial management classes; youth activities; services to our senior adults; book grants for college students; cultural enrichment opportunities; support for the students, faculty, and staff of Washington Elementary STEM School through our “We Care” Initiative; and served as a COVID-19 Vaccinations Site in partnership with Ochsner Medical Center All proceeds will support the services of REJOICE, Inc.
If you have any questions, please call 504-458-7556 or send an email to rejoicegnojuneteenth@gmail.com. This event is being chaired by Raina Edwards. Esq., and co-chaired by Myrna Carter Jones.
“Equipping and Empowering Families for Excellence and Service”
REJOICE, Inc. 6th Juneteenth CommUNITY Festival
Saturday, June 18 – 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, June 19 – 11:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Theme: Celebrating Freedom: Mind, Body, Spirit
