BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — Baton Rouge residents are invited to celebrate freedom, culture, and community as the Juneteenth Unity Festival returns June 18 through June 21 for four days of events designed to educate, empower, and unite.
The official Juneteenth celebration of East Baton Rouge Parish will culminate with its signature festival on Saturday, June 20, from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the East Baton Rouge Parish Library's Main Branch on Goodwood Boulevard.
Held under the theme “Our People. Our Purpose. Our City,†the free event brings together families, educators, entrepreneurs, civic leaders, artists, and community organizations for a unique celebration that honors the significance of Juneteenth while looking toward the future.
“Juneteenth is more than a commemoration of our past; it is a profound declaration of our future,†said Dr. Elle A. Williams, the visionary behind the festival. “The Juneteenth Unity Festival is intentionally designed to be inclusive, cross generational, and forward looking. We are creating a space where families, youth, elders, civic leaders, educators, and entrepreneurs all feel they belong.â€
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Festival organizers have created seven immersive experiences that focus on different aspects of community life. Guests can explore Freedom Fest, Wellness Fest, Financial Fest, EDU Fest, Music Fest, Fun Fest, along with the Marketplace and Food Fest.
One of the event's highlights is the Black Wall Street Marketplace, which will feature Black-owned businesses, artisans, and entrepreneurs showcasing products and services. Young entrepreneurs will also have an opportunity to shine through the Kidpreneur Vendors program, which gives children and teens ages five to 17 a chance to sell their products and develop business skills.
Live entertainment will include performances by acclaimed jazz vocalist Quiana Lynell, along with Phoenix Rising Jazz, The Michael Foster Project, and Marcella Ratcliff.
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This year's festival will also honor the legacy of Baton Rouge activist and museum founder Sadie Roberts Joseph and recognize Dr. Thomas Durant for his contributions to the community.
“It is about celebrating our heritage, strengthening our community, and supporting localized economies,†Williams said. “Uniting generations through culture, learning, and collective purpose.â€
The festival is free and open to the public. Organizers encourage attendees to RSVP in advance at www.jufusa.org.
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