Hawkinsville community plans Juneteenth celebrations at church and city park

HAWKINSVILLE, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Communities across the country are preparing to celebrate freedom this week in honor of Juneteenth, the federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States.

Lynn Johnson, president and CEO of the Hawkinsville-Pulaski Chamber of Commerce, and Freddie Yates with Hawkinsville Unity joined 41NBC this week to explain how local business and civic community are coming together and to highlight the importance of the holiday.

In Hawkinsville, two community events are planned to mark the occasion. On Thursday, June 19, the celebration will begin at 10 a.m. at St. Thomas AME Church’s Fellowship Hall on 22 Second Street. Guests can expect various community speakers and lunch for seniors. The event is organized by Hawkinsville Unity and the Hawkinsville-Pulaski Chamber of Commerce.

A second event will take place on Saturday at James A. Colson Park, also beginning at 10 a.m (rain or shine). It will include a parade, opening ceremony, and cook-off contest. Colson Park is located at Sixth and Colson Street in Hawkinsville. Organizers say both events are designed to bring the community together through education, entertainment, and recognition of American history.

Both events are from 10am until 5pm and are open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to bring their families and friends.

Hawkinsville Unity is also sponsoring an event planned for Saturday, June 28th from 4:30pm to 7pm at Colson Park. The Movie in the Park event will feature the movie “The Forge”. Free refreshments will be offered. Parents and responsible adults are asked to remain with their kids at the event and invited to bring towels and lawn chairs for seating.