Honored community members, scholarships highlight Juneteenth celebration
Photos and story by Julie Gerke
Music, games, food, memories and honors brought several hundred people to Community Park in Jacksonville on Juneteenth (June 19), which commemorates the ending of slavery in the United States.
The local chapter of the NAACP hosted the event, which honored community leaders Annabelle Blue, Ruth Linear, Shirlee Pettit, Peggy Howlett, Ed Wright and Becky Franklin with Pillar Awards, and recognized scholarship winners Rodney Reed Jr., Genesis Burries, Zevan Woods and Jalen Michael Morgan.
A number of community agencies, churches and vendors offered activities; City of Jacksonville Mayor Andy Ezard gave a proclamation; and the Jacksonville Drumline Institute performed. The Rotary Club also provided free rides on the Ferris wheel.
