The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff announced that 2,800 people visited the second annual Juneteenth in the Bluff: An Arts and Culture Festival in downtown Pine Bluff on June 20.
Data from Explore Pine Bluff shows an increase over the inaugural festival, to which 2,300 people attended, according to a news release issued Thursday.
“The Juneteenth Festival is more than a celebration, but also a declaration that Pine Bluff is rising and vibrant,” Mayor Vivian Flowers said. “We’re proud to support an event that brings people together to honor our culture and our future.”
R&B singer Lenny Williams headlined the festival after opening acts by blues artist Singa B and R&B and soul musician Terry Wright. The festival was sponsored by UAPB, the city of Pine Bluff and the city’s Advertising and Promotion Commission.
“This festival reflects the very heart of UAPB’s mission — celebrating our heritage, uplifting our community, and empowering the next generation,” said UAPB Interim Chancellor Andrea Stewart. “We are honored to be the catalyst for an event that brings such joy, unity, and inspiration to Pine Bluff.”
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
George Cotton, UAPB vice chancellor for institutional advancement, was the visionary of the Juneteenth Festival, according to the release.
“We envisioned this festival as a way to elevate arts, culture and economic opportunity in Pine Bluff, and this year’s turnout affirms that vision,” said Cotton. “The community’s response has been overwhelming, and we’re excited to keep building on this momentum.”
Sheri Storie, executive director of the commission, also applauded the efforts.
“This is such a positive event for our community, and we need to ensure it continues,” Storie said. “Congratulations to everyone who had a hand in making this happen and showcasing the amazing people, businesses and spirit of Pine Bluff.”
Ryan Houston of KATV’s “Daybreak” and Christian the Comedian from KIPR-FM Power 92.3 Jams returned as masters of ceremonies. And new this year — the HBCU Line Dance Challenge brought nearly 520 dance teams, sororities, fraternities, UAPB alumni and other enthusiasts to Second Avenue and Main Street to create the largest gathering of line dancers at an HBCU event, according to the release.
Other noteworthy festival moments included live cooking demonstrations and food tastings from the ACF Arkansas Delta Chefs Association, the Cub Club Kids Zone featuring carnival rides, food trucks and small businesses showcasing their merchandise.
Juneteenth, short for June 19th, commemorates the day enslaved African Americans in Texas finally learned of their freedom, 2½ years after the 1863 Emancipation Proclamation was issued by President Abraham Lincoln. Juneteenth occurred only seven years before the founding of Branch Normal College, now UAPB.
Details: Jaimie D. Wright at (870) 955-4830 or wrightjd@uapb.edu.