MONTICELLO — As the Juneteenth flag continues to fly over City Hall, Monticello is looking ahead to a formal dedication of a race reconciliation bench at the front lawn of City Hall.
The ceremony is scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday.
Clarissa Pace, Drew County chapter president of the NAACP said the black granite bench showcases a laser engraved photo of the Monticello square on one side. The other side is engraved with the story of Fed Reeves, a Black man, and William Dollar, a white man. Their story, Pace said, is of two Monticello residents whose friendship transcended the racial strife of the 1860s, although that friendship ended tragically.
Seating will be available but limited. The public is invited and encouraged to attend, Pace said.
The Juneteenth flag was raised along with the state flag in honor of the national holiday that was June 19. Pace said: “As far as we know, our city hall was the only one that actually flew the Juneteenth flag along with the U.S. flag and Arkansas flag. It still flies there now. Our Mayor was very gracious to our community.”
The Drew County chapter hosted its first Juneteenth celebration on June 15 and a commemorative ceremony on June 19.
