Union City, Tenn.— Weakley County Reconciliation Project (WCRP) will commemorate Juneteenth at Discovery Park of America on Saturday, June 18 from 4 to 7 p.m. at The Train Depot on the grounds of the museum and heritage park in Union City, Tenn. Juneteenth is an annual celebration of slave emancipation that began in 1865 and became a federal holiday in 2021.
The mission of WCRP is to engage other members and organizations in an open dialogue on matters of race, racism and social injustice throughout West Tenn.
“With their mission of inspiring children and adults to discover new ways of exploring the world, Discovery Park is the perfect location for this event” said Joyce Washington, one of the event organizers. “While the Juneteenth celebration is fun and entertaining, it’s also a time for our entire community to come together to learn more about the history of our nation while exploring ways people of all races in West Tennessee can grow and thrive together.”
“As mayor of Union City, we are happy to be hosting this annual event,” said Union City Mayor, Terry Hailey. “People of all races are invited to take part in the Juneteenth Celebration.”
This year’s event will include performances by Theresa Blalark, Damon Gentry and NuCreation, Jaylong Flagg and the Juneteenth Celebration band. Guests will also enjoy Memphis talents, actor and director Flo Roach and African dance troupe, Nubian Theater Company. The youth praise team from Oak Grove Church will also provide entertainment. A voter registration table will be set up at the event.
Families are encouraged to bring their own blankets, chairs and fishing gear and enjoy food from Perry’s BBQ and Catering. Outside food and beverages are not allowed inside the park. The gate near the Train Depot will open at 4 p.m. Admission is free. For more information about the event, go to WCRP’s Facebook page.