News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
McMinnville’s Young Men United are holding the 16th annual Juneteenth celebration on Saturday.
President Donald Crisp said the holiday started in Texas, when slaves learned they achieved freedom years after the 1862 Emancipation Proclamation. Crisp said McMinnville Mayor Ryle Chastain and Warren County Executive Jimmy Haley will be in attendance and speaking.
“It’s a beautiful thing man, to have them to come,” Crisp said. “Everybody is invited, black, white, Hispanic… it doesn’t matter. It might be about slavery but we are all people.”
The event will take place at 103 Bernard Drive. Crisp said from 10:00 AM-6:00 PM there will be food, music, games for kids and a number of activities during the celebration.
Crisp said it is great to see Juneteenth growing nationally and receiving more acknowledgment.
“Believe it or not, until about 10 years ago, when it first came about, I didn’t know what it was,” Crisp said. “One of our former presidents, he started doing it and then I found out what it was. It is growing and getting bigger because I think some cities are making it a holiday. So it’s definitely getting more attention and it’s a good thing for people to get together and have a good time and try and get some enjoyment out of life.”
There will be three on three basketball, cornhole, a silent auction and Bernard School t-shirts on sale. Crisp said Warren Arts will be putting on a performance to celebrate the holiday.
“One of the main things we’re doing is the theater down here, they’re putting on a play,” Crisp said. “On the Underground Railroad, they’re going to do that and it lasts about 45 minutes.”
Gates are set to open at 8:00 AM on Saturday, with the festival starting at 10:00 AM. Crisp said that anyone is welcome to come and enjoy the festivities honoring Juneteenth.
