Earlier this week, communities in East Alabama and West Georgia addressed city councils regarding their upcoming Juneteenth events.
In Lanett, Trudye Johnson from the Greater Valley Juneteenth spoke to the council on Monday night. She stated, “Juneteenth 2026 has an exciting lineup of free events. This year marks the 15th anniversary of the Greater Valley Juneteenth Celebration, during which we inaugurated the Essie Mae Harris Community Servant Scholarship. This scholarship honors a legendary local educator and community activist who passed away in 2023 at the age of 99. Scholarships were awarded to graduating seniors who exemplify Harris’s leadership and community service: Jonas Camp from Springwood School and Carington King from Lanett High School.”
The Freedom Walk, scheduled for Sunday, May 31, at 6:00 p.m. (ET) at John Hoggs Park in West Point, was unfortunately canceled due to rain. This family-friendly walk is designed to promote civic engagement, honor our civil rights history, and encourage physical and mental well-being. Walkers were set to cross the Chattahoochee River Bridge and navigate through the City of West Point, concluding at Lanett City Hall. The Bless the Streets Foundation was present to provide water and transportation support for those who needed assistance.
On June 14th at 4:00 p.m., there will be a Juneteenth Gospel Fest held at Bethlehem Baptist Church on 10th Street in West Point. This free cultural event aims to uplift the human spirit and celebrate legacy musicians who have served community churches for 25 years or more. Twenty-two local musicians will be honored at the Gospel Fest. Featured performers include Hasan Green from Lafayette, Alabama; the Community Vision Choir from Roanoke, Alabama; Men of Eastside from LaGrange, Georgia; and the Gala Mass Choir. Participants are encouraged to wear cultural attire.
The community festival will be the final Juneteenth event on June 19th at the W. O. Lance Elementary School playfield, located at 8th Avenue and First Street in Lanett, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. This year’s festival falls on the actual Juneteenth national holiday. It promises to be a family-friendly afternoon filled with music, games, crafts, food vendors, face painting, bounce houses, cash raffles, a jungle bus, and representatives from various businesses and non-profit organizations.
A variety of food options will be available starting at noon to serve the lunch crowd, including barbecue, smoked turkey legs, seafood, sweet treats, burgers, funnel cakes, cotton candy, beignets, snow cones, pork skins, ethnic food plates, candy apples, sour fruit, and non-alcoholic drinks,” Johnson added.
During Opelika’s council meeting on Tuesday, resident Henrietta Snipes encouraged the council to attend the city’s upcoming Juneteenth celebration. “I invite each of you to come out for this year’s celebration. I truly encourage you all to attend. We would love to have you here,” Snipes said.
Look for more information on local Juneteenth celebrations in the upcoming weeks.
