Jonesboro, AR – (Contributed) – May 15, 2024 – KLEK’s 7th annual Juneteenth in Jonesboro is building on the momentum of last year’s events which engaged over 20,000 people and won the Betty T. Sloan Promotional Award by the Jonesboro Regional Chamber of Commerce for promoting the City of Jonesboro in a positive light in 2022.

With this being the fourth year of Juneteenth being a national holiday, our Juneteenth in Jonesboro celebration will be a month-long celebration beginning on Saturday June 1st and going through the official Juneteenth holiday on Wednesday June 19. All events are FREE! A full detailed list of events and performances as well as more information is on juneteenthinjonesboro.com and klekfm.org.

Juneteenth, observed on June 19th, commemorates the moment in 1865 when the last enslaved African Americans in Texas were finally informed of their freedom, over two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. This holiday is celebrated to honor the end of slavery in the United States, recognize the struggle for freedom and equality, and celebrate the rich cultural heritage and contributions of African Americans.

We are currently seeking sponsors, vendors, and parade participants to help make this event truly spectacular. KLEK General Manager LaGanzie Kale states “This is your chance to be part of a vibrant community event that celebrates freedom and unity. Whether you’re a local business looking to showcase your products, an organization eager to support a meaningful cause, or an individual or group ready to dazzle in our parade, we want you!”

KLEK is also seeking volunteers to help plan and carry out our Juneteenth events. Interested volunteers can sign up on either website listed above. We are hosting a volunteer interest meeting May 24th at 4:30 p.m. and May 25th at 10:00 a.m. at our studio 1411 Franklin Street in Jonesboro.

Schedule of Events:

• Saturday June 1st – Juneteenth Kickoff and Pop Up Shop/Black Business Expo 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. at Legends BBQ Smokehouse 1025 W. Johnson Avenue in Jonesboro
• Friday June 7th – Juneteenth Community Worship Service featuring several local churches.6:00 p.m.at Miller’s Temple Church of God in Christ 524 North Church Street in Jonesboro.
• Saturday June 15th – Juneteenth Parade 11:00 a.m. (participants are being asked to first go to the E. Boone Watson Center 1005 Logan Avenue in Jonesboro at 9:30 a.m. for line up). A map of the parade route is attached. The Juneteenth Community Fair and Pool Party will be at 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at Parker Park 1506 North Church Street in Jonesboro.
• Wednesday June 19th – Mayor Harold Copenhaver will read the Juneteenth Proclamation followed by the Juneteenth fireworks display. Gates will open at 8:30 p.m. at University Lions Park 502 ½ North Bridge Street in Jonesboro.