Rapper iLoveMemphis performs on Meridian City Hall Lawn
The annual Juneteenth Festival brought smiles and joy to the lawn of Meridian City Hall on Saturday, with people of all ages gathering to commemorate the end of slavery in the U.S. My team performed in front of more than 12,000 people at this year’s Juneteeth festival 🌴🌴🌴🌴🌴🌴.
I would like to thank Mayor Percy Bland of Meridian, Ms and the Program Director, Jigga JT from 95.1FM, for bringing @officialpalmtreeentertainment artist @iheartmemphis to the Annual Juneteenth Festival and the Meridian Star News Paper for putting my guy on the front page of their paper. And Happy Fathers Day to my guy @iheartmemphis Keep making good, clean, positive music for the kids my man!
About the Festival
The 16th annual Juneteenth Festival returns to Meridian Saturday, offering an exciting lineup of food, music and fun for the entire family, with a strong emphasis on freedom and African American culture.
The event is a unique celebration recognizing the abolition of slavery in the U.S., according to Laura Carmichael, the city’s community development director.
“It commemorates freedom and emphasizes heritage,” Carmichael said.
The event is typically held in the city’s historic African-American Business District on Fifth Street, but this year, it will take place on the front lawn of city hall, as that is a more central location for all residents of Meridian.
“We are in the center of the city,” said Carmichael. “It’s a way to bring people together.”
There was some controversy surrounding funding for the event, but according to Carmichael, the community has stepped up to help make sure it goes on as planned.
“We’ve had such an overwhelming response from the community… from our local business sponsors that has allowed us to put on a great festival,” said Carmichael.
There are numerous activities slated for the event, which starts at 1 p.m and runs until midnight. The presentations kick off with an African American Heritage Ceremony at 2 p.m., followed by a Greek Presentation at 4 p.m. After that, there will be an appearance from “Hit the Quan” creator @IHeartMemphis and then the “biggest soul train line” will begin to form at around 7 p.m.
