The 2025 Juneteenth Community Celebration weekend began today with a “Soul Food Luncheon” at the Brownwood Event Center.  A crowd of over 200 persons enjoyed the meal provided by Aldersgate Enrichment Center, with desserts provided by Zhymara’s Bakery and Over the Rainbow Ice Cream.  Title Sponsor for the Juneteenth Community Celebration is Hendrick Medical Center.

The program featured (with photos below, in order):  Master of Ceremonies Bill Britton; History of Juneteenth and Brownwood, Jodie Miller; Song “Lift Every Voice”, Domonique Glaeske; Spoken Word Poem, Aniyah O’Neal; The History of Buffalo Soldiers, William Reece; Showcase of the Art of Michael P. Green, Jarvis Green; Juneteenth Presentation, Pastor Charles Lowe; Juneteenth Proclamation, Mayor Stephen Haynes.  Also, Lowe and Haynes presented the Juneteenth Honoree Award to Rev. Ernest Kirk.

The schedule for the Brownwood Juneteenth Community Celebration:

FRIDAY, JUNE 20

Unity Downtown Parade, 7:00 p.m. Free event.  Parade route:  From the Brownwood Depot, up Adams Street to Fisk St., right on Fisk St. to Baker St., right on Baker St. to Brownwood Event Center

We Are One White Linen Party, 8:00 – 11:00 p.m., Baker Street Lawn at Brownwood Event Center.  Free Event.  Everyone dresses in white.  Activities:  Live DJ, Photo Booths, Yard Games, Old School Cars, Food and Beverage Vendors

SATURDAY, JUNE 21

Unity Fun Run, 8:00 a.m.  Early Town Center.  Sponsored by City of Early and Early MDD.  Pre-registration required:  0 – 9 years of age, free; 10 years of age and up, $15

Stack-n-Style Brunch.  11:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.  Brownwood Event Center.  $10 Admission, tickets available at the door.  Live DJ, Food, Bottomless Mimosas

Family Fun in the Park.  5:00 – 9:00 p.m.  Cecil Holman Park.  Free admission. Carnival rides, water slides, bounce houses, food and merchandise vendors.  9:00 – 11:00 p.m. Performance by Live Band

SUNDAY, JUNE 22

Sunday Church Service. 10:00 a.m.  A Breath of Praise Community Church, 711 Bailey Street.