Jonesboro, AR — (Contributed) — May 6, 2025 — KLEK 102.5 FM is planning its eighth annual Juneteenth celebration, which will feature a community fair, parade, fireworks display and more.
KLEK’s celebration will take place throughout June. All events are free. A full list of events and more information can be found here.
KLEK began celebrating Juneteenth in Jonesboro the Saturday before the unofficial holiday on June 16, 2017, at University Heights Lions Club Park. KLEK has held it every year since. In 2021, President Joe Biden signed legislation officially making Juneteenth a national holiday to commemorate the occasion and to celebrate freedom for all Americans.
Juneteenth, observed on June 19, 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.
KLEK is currently seeking sponsors, vendors, and parade participants.
“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,” said KLEK general manager LaGanzie Kale.
The radio station is also seeking volunteers to help plan and carry out our Juneteenth events. Interested volunteers can sign up here.
A full schedule of the celebration can also be found below:
June 12 — Juneteenth Kickoff and Paint & Sip will be from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Legends BBQ Smokehouse, located at 1025 W. Johnson Ave. Attendees will paint their own Juneteenth painting while being guided by artist Yvette Elam. Admission is free, but those wishing to paint must pay $35 to cover art supply costs.
June 13 — “We Will Overcome” Photography Exhibition. This event is being held in conjunction with KASU Public Radio and will take place in the lobby of the Arkansas State University College of Liberal Arts building starting at 6 p.m. The exhibit will feature photographs of various Civil Rights sites.
June 14 — The Juneteenth Parade will be held at 9 a.m. Participants are asked to go to the St. Bernards Auditorium, located at 505 E. Washington Ave., at 7 a.m. for lineup. Additionally, the Juneteenth Community Fair will be from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Parker Park, located at 1506 N. Church St.
June 15 — Juneteenth Community Worship Service featuring several local churches will be held at 4 p.m. at New Life Empowerment Ministries, located at 2113 N. Church St.
June 19 — Mayor Harold Copenhaver will read the Juneteenth Proclamation followed by the Juneteenth fireworks display. Gates will open at 8:30 p.m. at University Heights Lions Park, located at 502 ½ N. Bridge St. The fireworks display will be at 9:15 p.m.
About KLEK 102.5 FM: Launched in 2015, KLEK is Jonesboro’s first and only minority community radio station to serve Jonesboro and broadcasting at 100 watts. Licensed by The Voice of Arkansas Minority Advocacy Council, KLEK is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in Arkansas. KLEK plays a variety of urban adult contemporary music as well as air public affairs programming. KLEK is also available world-wide through its website, KLEKfm.org and social media (@klekfm).