21st Annual Juneteenth Celebration in McMinnville

Young Men United hosting 21st Juneteenth Celebration in McMinnville Monday

Young Men United Warren County will host their Annual Juneteenth Celebration commemorating the 1865 celebrations after federal troops arrived in Texas to proclaim that slaves had been freed two years prior.

President Donald W. Crisp said the annual event is important both in remembering the past and in celebrating current community connections.

“You know you still have people that’s against it,” Crisp said. “That say it shouldn’t be a holiday. But I think when they leave they’ll be more understanding about it because we always read to everybody what Juneteenth is.”

Crisp said representatives will be on hand from the Black History Museum. He said there will be a street fair atmosphere with food vendors, clothing, and jewelry.

Crisp said you can expect good music from a band out of Nashville and a saxophone player from Alabama.

“You’ll see a lot of friendly faces, people walking around celebrating and dancing,” Crisp said. “Kids will be playing in the bouncy house in the gym and playing basketball on the courts.”

Crisp said everyone is invited so please come.

“To me it’s just the right thing to do,” Crisp said. “What can be wrong with celebrating our heritage, our history.”

‌The Annual Juneteenth Celebration is held June 19th from 11 am to 6 pm at the historic Bernard School site in McMinnville, 103 Bernard Drive.