Henderson’s Juneteenth Celebration logo lists three words: educate, empower, inspire.
And each year the Juneteenth committee focuses on one word for the community celebration.
This year it’s “educate,” said committee chair Dr. Michelle Chappell.
With that focus, the committee will award four scholarships for $500 each to students who have just graduated from high school or are already attending a postsecondary school or trade school, Chappell said. To be eligible students had to complete an application and write an essay, she said.
The event is 4 p.m. Thursday and will be in Central Park.
In its fourth year, Chappell said she is hoping for at least 500 attendees this year, a figure that would be the highest since the celebration began.
Other pieces of this year’s event include the unveiling of two more placards featuring influential African Americans in Henderson. The group of placards which will be placed under the gazebo in the pavilion in Central Park include such luminaries as Thelma B. Johnson and the Rev. Dr. Anthony Brooks, Sr.—and more.
The event will also feature music by local band, Soul N The Pocket. There will also be numerous food vendors, and Chappell said last week that they are still finalizing with some vendors.
She also said the celebration will include large board games that can be played on the park’s lawn and local restaurants are sponsoring giveaways.
Additionally, numerous nonprofit organizations will be present to give out information and provide education about their organizations, much like a resource fair, Chappell said.
Finally, Keith Norris and Margaret Howard will perform the Black national anthem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”
The opportunity to give out scholarships is a first this year for the Juneteenth committee, and Chappell sees it as a way to keep momentum going.
“We hope this will get more people involved and help with the work,” she said.
Last week, Chappell said the committee was still seeking some volunteers to help with the event. To volunteer, click here.