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Foot Soldiers Park will be hosting its fourth annual Juneteenth Festival on Thursday from 2 to 6 p.m.

The festival will be held at the future home of Foot Soldiers Park, located 1705 Selma Ave.

The event begins with greetings from the organization followed by a short program focusing on the history of Juneteenth. They will also take time to honor foot soldier Barbara Barage.

Honoring a foot soldier

Barge was just 15 years old when she courageously joined the Selma to Montgomery marches in 1965.

“A dedicated young activist, she helped reword Negro spirituals and practiced nonviolent resistance, contributing to a pivotal chapter in the Civil Rights Movement,” said Kennedy Smitherman with Foot Soldiers Park. “Her activism took place under intense pressure, as Gov. George Wallace’s opposition fueled tension across Selma. Yet Barbara and others pressed forward, helping to shift the national conscience toward justice and equality.

“Following the movement, she spent 28 years as an educator in the Dallas County School System, advocating for student empowerment through knowledge. Today, she continues her legacy as a tour guide at Foot Soldiers Park, ensuring the stories of struggle and triumph live on.

“Barbara Barge is a living reminder that young people helped change the world – and still can.”

Oratorical winners

Winners of the second annual Oratorical Contest by Foot Soldiers Park will also be showcased. The contest was coordinated by Angela Benjamin.

Smitherman said the Senior Division winner of the third annual “Still I Rise Juneteenth Oratorical Contest” was first place Zachenzie Milhouse of Selma High school followed by second place Madison Smile and third place Kamiya Bell, both from Southside High School

The Junior Division winner Deangelo Carrion from R.B. Hudson STEAM Academy. Kaleb Wilson earned second place.

Kennedy said they will both be presenting their speeches at the Juneteenth Celebration.

Entertainment and vendors

After the program, they will have entertainment for the rest of the day featuring DJ Double J who is emceeing the event. He will also be on stage at at 2:40 p.m. and 5:15 p.m. “bringing the beats.

At 3 p.m., Lock Band will bring their the “smooth sounds of jazz, Motown, gospel, R&B and pop” to the stage. Logan the Entertainer, known as DaKingofTurnUp, will be performing at 3:50 p.m.

Sahi ON KO DJONY brings the sounds of West African dance, drumming and folklore at 4:20 p.m.

All during the event, they will be will also have a kid’s zone, community resources and Black-owned businesses offering food, beverages and much more.

“We’re excited to welcome a variety of vendors showcasing unique clothing, delicious food from local food trucks, and sweet treats like cupcakes and snow cones,” Smitherman said. “Kids can enjoy an action-packed Kidz Zone featuring water slides, carnival rides, a bounce house, face painting, and balloon art.

“For entertainment, get ready for live performances from The Lock Band and Logan the Entertainer, music by DJ Double J, and powerful African drumming and dance performances.

“We’ll also have community resources available on site to keep you informed and connected.”

About Juneteenth

According to Smitherman, Juneteenth is a pivotal celebration in American history, marking the end of slavery in the United States. On June 19, 1865, Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, and informed enslaved African Americans of their freedom, two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. This day symbolizes not only the liberation of enslaved individuals but also the ongoing struggle for civil rights and equality.

“Juneteenth serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience and contributions of African Americans throughout history,” Smitherman said. “It’s a time for reflection, education, and celebration of Black culture and heritage. By honoring this holiday, we acknowledge the painful legacy of slavery and the importance of continuing the fight for justice and equality in our communities today.

“At Foot Soldiers Park, we aim to create an inclusive space where people can come together to learn, share, and celebrate this significant milestone in our nation’s history. Through events, discussions, and activities, we hope to inspire a deeper understanding of Juneteenth’s significance and promote unity among all people.

“At Foot Soldiers Park, we honor this legacy by creating space for reflection, education, and celebration. Through community events, civic engagement, and cultural programming, we connect the history of Juneteenth to Selma’s ongoing story of resilience, activism, and hope. Our work is rooted in remembering the past while building a more just future.”

For more information on sponsorship, registration or the event itself, log on to https://footsoldierspark.org/event/4th-annual-juneteenth-celebration/, call 334-412-6604 or email kennedy@footsoldierspark.org.