Pilgrim Rest celebrates Juneteenth

Hundreds of People gathered in Blytheville to celebrate Juneteenth, which commemorates the announcement of the end of Slavery in Texas.

The Pilgrim Rest Church, on the corner of Ruddle and Main Street, was one of the sites of the celebration of the 150th anniversary of Juneteenth. On June 19th, 1865, the Union soldiers landed in Galveston, Texas and announced to slaves that the Civil War had ended and they were officially free. The news came two and a half years after President Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation had declared the slaves to be free.

On Saturday, June 20th, in Little Rock, Gov. Asa Hutchinson's office issued a proclamation stating, "Juneteenth Independence Day is a day to celebrate the last vestiges of more than 200 years of slavery and to demonstrate racial reconciliation and healing after the shameful legacy of oppression." Mayor James Sanders read and presented the Juneteenth proclamation to Anes Abraham and Venita Nichols of Pilgrim Rest M.B. Church. Arkansas first recognized Juneteenth Independence Day in 2005. The date, recognized by 41 states, is not a federal holiday.

Magnolia, West Memphis and Springdale hosted Juneteenth celebrations the weekend before. Camden, Helena-West Helena, Little Rock and Conway celebrated Juneteenth in the 20th.

The celebration in Blytheville began with a parade from St. Paul M.B. Church to Pilgrim Rest M.B. Church. This parade was led by Grand Marshals Rev. Emmanuel and Mrs. Ollie Lofton and followed by Mayor James and Joyce Sanders. Motorcycle groups -the Rough Riders and Tem Boys participated. Several vintage cars and many organizations were presented. On the last mile of the parade, the Juneteenth Banner was carried by Venita and Rose Nichols.

The activities at the church began with the Star Spangled Banner led by Dorothy Erby accompanied by Marilyn McNear. This was followed by Lift Every Voice and Sing. The history of Juneteenth was presented by Rev. Emmanuel Lofton. Entertainment included poetry, an African dance group, praise dancers, and several church choirs, throughout the 4 hour program. The finale was Christian comedian T Money, with the Master of Ceremony for the event was Mighty Mike Lester, and organized by Joyce O'Neal.

The theme for this year was "Carrying Lessons from the Past into the Future." Rev. Lofton had a display on achievements by African Americans. Many area service organizations such as Arkansas Northeastern College, Head Start, Voter Registration, Project Launch and the Tobacco Coalition represented with information about programs offered in this community. The Pilgrim Rest booth, staffed by Linda and Bella Campbell and Nan Malone provided information about Juneteenth. Independent vendors participated with jewelry, face painting and food. Donations were collected for the American Red Cross.

The Children enjoyed games, bouncers, and a water slide. Door prizes were presented by Irene Aldridge. The building and grounds setup was done by members of PRMBC - Rev. Homer O'Neal, Kurt Newmy, Desmond Hammet, Quentin Clay, Sherrod Pope, Branton Hall, J.C. Campbell, Joe and Ricky Nichols. Food was provided by generous donations from this community to Rev. Lofton and Irene Nichols. The program ended with prayer by Rev. Ricky Everett, pastor of Pilgrim Rest M.B. Church.