By Tonya Whitaker
NDG Staff Writer
The community is invited June 18 to celebrate Juneteenth and the South Dallas Cultural Center’s 25th anniversary beginning at noon at 3400 South Fitzhugh in Dallas.
All events are free and open to the public.
Ceremonies kick off with an opening ceremony at the flag pole. Constance Smith, founder of DallasJuneteenth.com, an affiliate of the National Juneteenth Organization, will raise the Juneteenth flag and lead the audience in a singing of Life Every Voice and Sing. Then, a reading of General Order Number 3 – the executive order delivered by Union Major General Gordon Granger on June 19, 1865, that emancipated African Americans in Texas – will take place.
Beginning at 12:30 p.m., the festivities move inside to the SDCC theatre, where several events will be held including a youth poetry slam, cultural dance events and a vendor fair. From 5 to 7 p.m., Toast to the Masters will be held.
At 8 p.m., a film on the life of last soul singer Sam Cooke will be presented. The evening will be emceed by KKDA DJ Kay Fullylove.
After the movie, at 9:45 p.m., a Sam Cooke singing contest is scheduled. Prizes will be awarded to the first-, second- and third-place winners.
Call Marilyn Clark at 214-426-1683 to preregister or register at the door Saturday night.
