This Monday is Juneteenth, a new federal holiday

This coming Monday is Juneteenth, a new federal holiday that originally stemmed from the Civil War when a group of African-American slaves first heard that President Lincoln had signed the Emancipation Proclamation freeing them. The Pulaski County Branch of the NAACP will begin its commemoration of Juneteenth this morning and evening at the Ark Community and Sports Center in Waynesville. This morning from ten o’clock to noon, there will be public viewing of various art and cultural exhibits as well as various entertainment at the Ark. This evening from 6 to 9 o’clock, the public is invited to come and enjoy learning about the African-American culture and history.
Here’s Cynthia Andrey, President of the local NAACP branch.

Saturday’s Ms. and Mr. Juneteenth Pageant has been canceled. The 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament has been scaled down, but there will be a couple of teams playing on the basketball court of Waynesville Middle School. The focus Sunday will be on a Father’s Day celebration conducted on social media. On Juneteenth itself on Monday at noon, the public is invited to the Waynesville City Park for Family Fun Day activities.