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Second Baptist hosting Juneteenth Festival on Friday and Saturday

EVENT PLANNERS — Among those involved in planning Second Baptist Church’s Juneteenth Festival celebrating African American heritage on Friday and Saturday are, front, from left, Tamla Hunt, Diana Brown, Trina Lawson, Charmayne Wade and Lee Vinson; and back, William Hendricks, Keith Murray, James Baber, Jackie Platt, Crystal Wicker and Kim Morgan. Festivities will run from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. both days on South Eighth Street from Adams Street to Short Street and feature a variety of activities, entertainment, vendors and food. -- Contributed

STEUBENVILLE — Second Baptist Church, 717 Adams St., will present its third-annual Juneteenth Festival celebrating African-American heritage from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

A community-oriented event open to the public, the festival will be held on South Eighth Street from Adams Street to Short Street and feature a variety of activities, entertainment, vendors and food.

Charmayne Wade and Lee Vinson are chairing the two-day festival with help from committee members Trina Lawson, Diana Brown, Tamla Hunt, Kim Morgan, Sheila Hendricks, William Hendricks, Jackie Platt, James Baber, Crystal Wicker, Patricia Herring and Darrin Holt.

There will be music by DJ Anthony Feaster; line dancing led by Ansantewa Anyabwile; dinners by Chef Keith Murry with food including ribs, chicken and fish; Sno cones and cotton candy; baked goods; Boy Scout signups; a Chinese auction; and games, including cornhole, horse shoes and sack races.

Zion Poole will serve as Friday’s master of ceremonies and Darrin Holt will assume those duties on Saturday.

Speakers will include James Baber, Juanita Slappy and the Rev. Marvin Barner Jr., the church’s pastor.

Entertainment, aside from line dancing and the DJ, includes Frank Bruzzese, Elijah Fletcher, One Band and Reggie Williams.

Featured performed on Saturday, beginning at 4 p.m. is F.C.S.B. 2.0, an acronym for Funk City Show Band

The group started in 2010 and has performed at many clubs and venues in Columbus, including the Columbus Arts Museum, the Savoy Club in Columbus, and the Idle-A-While Supper Club and Venue to name a few.

The group does various community projects such as the Summer Jam at the Focal Point and the Summer Jam on Mock Road in Columbus in addition to the Hot Times Festival in Columbus.

Group members are Kenneth White, leader, founder and drummer; Steubenville native Mari Armstrong, band manger/promoter and background vocals; Brittney White; Nakisha Herring; Ronald Dinkins, vocals; Leviticus Ra Zamien, rapper; Keith Colbert, lead and rhythm guitarist;

Sitting in with Funkcity will be bass player Frank Eillis of Steubenville and keyboard player Wayne Lytle of Steubenville

Juneteenth, according to information provided, is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States.

“It is a day of reflection, a day of renewal, a pride-filled day. It is a moment in time to appreciate the African-American experience. It is inclusive of all races, ethnicities and nationalities as nothing is more comforting than a hand of a friend.”

From its Galveston, Texas, origin in 1865, the observance of June 19 as the African-American Emancipation Day has spread across the United States and beyond, according to the promotional materials.

“Today, Juneteenth commemorates African-American freedom and emphasizes education and achievement. Is it a day, a week and, in some areas, a month marked with celebrations, guest speakers, picnics and family gatherings. It is a time for reflection and rejoicing. It is a time for assessment, self-improvement and for planning the future.”

“In cities across the country, people of all races, nationalities and religions are joining hands to truthfully acknowledge a period in our history that shaped and continues to influence our society today,” the promotional flier notes. “When we become sensitized to the conditions and experiences of others, only then can we make significant and lasting improvements in our society.”

For information, contact Second Baptist at (740) 282-4949.

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