Annual Juneteenth celebration bestows awards, scholarships

• Annual Juneteenth celebration bestows awards, scholarships
• The annual Juneteenth celebration was held Friday, offering food and fun. Community members were also honored during the celebration. TRIBUNE PHOTOS / NICOLE KIMBALL
• Kiera Rundles shares a hug with co-coordinator of the Juneteenth festival, Jerry Walker
• Annual Juneteenth celebration bestows awards, scholarships
• Annual Juneteenth celebration bestows awards, scholarships
• Annual Juneteenth celebration bestows awards, scholarships
• A petting zoo and pony rides provides fun for all Cecilia Pham, one of five recipients for the Whalyn Payne Memorial scholarship
• Christopher Moreno grins as he gets on stage to receive his scholarship
• Annual Juneteenth celebration bestows awards, scholarships
• Annual Juneteenth celebration bestows awards, scholarships
• Kids having a blast at Juneteenth
• Annual Juneteenth celebration bestows awards, scholarships
• Annual Juneteenth celebration bestows awards, scholarships
• Annual Juneteenth celebration bestows awards, scholarships

Children’s laughter and splashing rang across Oaklawn Park on the afternoon of Friday, June 14, as the Family Juneteenth Celebration kicked off. Water rides, splash pads, and free snow cones kept the heat at bay; a petting zoo and pony rides brought smiles to everyone’s faces. There were also free hot dogs for all as many sat in the shade of the pavilion to listen to speeches and awards given to noteworthy residents.

Crystal Jackson James, a school teacher and coach for MPISD, has worked as coordinator for the 4th Annual Juneteenth Celebration since it began four years ago. James explained why this festival is important to her and why she wants to spread the joy of Juneteenth, “We all come from different walks, different backgrounds, and it matters. If you take time just to really sit down and have a conversation with another African-American, you’ll learn a lot about our history and when the conversation is over, you’ll realize why it’s important to us.”

Former Mount Pleasant council member Jerry Dell Walker works alongside James to get the Juneteenth Celebration going every year. He stood on the stage of the pavilion in the evening to hold a reverent ceremony to present awards to individuals who have made positive impacts– not just in the African-American community, but in Mount Pleasant overall.

Mayor Tracy Craig and the city council were present as well. The Mayor handed each reputable person their award, offering a handshake and congratulations. The council sat at each side of the podium as Walker talked about the accomplishments and history of the African-American community in Mount Pleasant.

“Juneteenth shows the history of black Americans,” Walker said. “Where we’ve come, where we are, and where we need to be going. We’ve come a long way. We still have struggles, but each day, we get up and strive a bit harder.”

There were 2 award categories, as well as 5 scholarships given out. The awards are as follows: Hometown Heroes awards:

• TumeyMortuary

• DonnaNorman

• BobbyWilson

• JessieMorris

• J.C.WhiteFuneralandCremation Services Community Spotlight recipients:

• Alma Justice Tumey

• J. C. Hurrington

• Ollie Eaton

• Isia Mae (Cannon) Murphy

• Betty Harris Norman

• Martha Nance

• Mary Fuller

• Margaret Mangon

• Florence Brannon Jr.

Whalyn Payne Memorial Scholarship winners:

• Kiera Rundles

• Cecilia Phan

• Christoper Moreno

• Brianne Davis

• Jocelyn Marroquin Above all, Walker warmly explained that he wants the Juneteenth Celebration to be for the children, “It’s not about me, it’s about them. Everything that I learned from my elders, what history gave me, I’m trying to give to them.”