Juneteenth Celebration

Faith-Centered Juneteenth Celebration Planned for June 19

On Monday, June 19, a Juneteenth Celebration for the entire community will take place at the historic Mattoon Presbyterian Church located at 415 Hampton Avenue. The theme of this year’s Juneteenth Celebration is: “When I Liberate Myself, I Help Liberate Others…” These words are taken from the Civil Rights champion, Freedom fighter and Womanist warrior Fannie Lou Hamer.

This family friendly event welcomes all to attend. Performances will include the rhythms of the African Drum Circle of Poe Mill Achievement Center (PMAC), gospel messaging and music from the Sounds of Destiny Choir of St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, freedom songs provided by TJ Edwards and Jazzy Trinity Band, verse from Upstate Spoken Word artists, and the sounds of Negro Spirituals, Minister Michael Frayer.

A bouncy house, face painting, a storyteller along with arts and crafts for children will also be available throughout the event. Food trucks will be available.

The day's celebration will culminate with Courageous Conversationz©, a two-hour facilitated dialogue and discussion about race and racism coordinated by the Speaking Down Barriers Team, whose mission is, “Equity for All.” Last year’s powerful dialogue and discussion began with a question: When did you become race conscious? This year’s discussion will go deeper and explore two critical questions, “What is your liberation project?” What is your liberation work?"

“We’re excited to acknowledge and embrace the history of the ancestors together with the beloved community through our Juneteenth Celebration,” said Rev. Dr. Lerone Wilder of Mattoon Presbyterian Church. “The vision and values of the ancestors align with those of Mattoon of educating, empowering, engaging and equipping the beloved community in meaningful conversationz to end systemic racism in Greenville.”

Mattoon Presbyterian Church Juneteenth Celebration 2023 Schedule

Expo/Info 4 - 6 p.m.

Food Trucks 4 - 8 p.m.

TJ Edwards and Jazzy Trinity Band 4 - 5:30 p.m.

Opening Ceremony

Land Acknowledgement & Libation 5:30 - 5:45 p.m.

Welcome & History

PMAC African Drum Circle

St. Mark’s Sounds of Destiny Choir 5:45 - 6 p.m.

Spoken Word Artist, Desimber Rose

Minister Michael Frayer

Bouncy House 6 - 8 p.m.

Story Telling

Face Painting

Arts and Crafts

Courageous Conversationz© 6 - 8 p.m.

Closing Ceremony 8:15 - 8:30 p.m.

The event is free of charge to attend. Donations to historic Mattoon Presbyterian Church will be accepted.

Host or Publisher Mattoon Presbyterian Church