Jonesboro, AR – Contributed – KLEK 102.5 FM invites the community to join the grand finale of the 9th Annual Juneteenth in Jonesboro on Friday.

The evening will feature a free jazz concert at the Craighead County Jonesboro Public Library followed by the annual Juneteenth Fireworks Celebration at University Lions Park, highlighted by a Juneteenth proclamation from Mayor Harold Copenhaver and a special performance of “Lift Every Voice and Sing” by vocalist Zhedrick Jackson.

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Since its founding in 2017, Juneteenth in Jonesboro has grown into one of the region’s largest Juneteenth celebrations. This year’s events have already drawn strong community participation, with more than 2,600 residents and visitors taking part in activities throughout the week. Organizers expect that number to continue growing as the celebration concludes on Juneteenth Day.

“We are incredibly grateful for the support this community has shown throughout the week,” said LaGanzie Kale, general manager of KLEK 102.5 FM. “Every year, Juneteenth in Jonesboro reminds us that our community is stronger when we come together to learn from our history, celebrate our progress, and build relationships across backgrounds. We hope everyone will join us for the finale as we celebrate freedom and unity together.”

Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, TX, and informed the last enslaved African Americans that they were free, more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. Today, Juneteenth serves as a celebration of freedom and an opportunity to reflect on shared history.

Friday’s finale begins with the Baritone Jazz Junction Concert at the Craighead County Jonesboro Public Library, located at 315 W. Oak Ave., at 6 p.m.

The celebration continues later that day with the Juneteenth Fireworks Celebration at University Lions Park, located at 502 1/2 N. Bridge St. Gates open at 8:30 p.m., with fireworks to begin at 9:15 p.m.

The fireworks display has become one of the signature traditions of Juneteenth in Jonesboro and serves as a celebration of freedom, unity, and hope.

All Juneteenth finale activities are free and open to the public. For more information, click here.

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