JACKSONVILLE — This Sunday marks Juneteenth, the country’s newest federal holiday, commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans and also sheds a spotlight on African-American culture.
There are also different events kicking off around Jacksonville to celebrate.
Jacksonville’s Eastside is one neighborhood getting ready for all the festivities.
On Saturday, the Melanin Market will be back for its third year beside the corridor of Black-owned businesses along A. Philip Randolph Boulevard.
This year, it’s bringing together more than 250 local and regional Black-owned businesses.
“This will be the largest market that we’ve ever had,” said Dawn Curling, who co-founded the Melanin Market. “It’s amazing,” she added. “We’re excited. We can’t wait to see all the Blackness and the love that is gonna be shared.”
Curling is also the owner of We Make the Shirt, which has been on the Eastside for the past 11 years.
“They call me the GOAT of T-shirts, so I’ll take that claim!” Curling said with a smile.
Just next door is the Avenue Grill, owned by Kacheryl Gantt. Even though she goes by the nickname Cookie, it’s her soul food she’s known for.
“I’m voted Jacksonville’s best fried chicken and burger - breakfast as well, so they can get the whole 9 yards here,” Gantt assured.
It’s a way for her to show love for her neighborhood.
“A lot of thought and care [goes into my cooking]. My grandmother actually taught me how to cook when I was 10.”
And Gantt says everyone can show their love by checking out what they have to offer.
“The community keeps supporting me so that’s why I’m still here,” she emphasized. “We’re pushing efforts to do something positive in the community.”
The fun all starts at 3 P.M.
Here’s a list of other Juneteenth events happening this weekend:
SATURDAY, JUNE 18
10 a.m. / FREEDOM WALK / 8TH AND N. DAVIS STREET
11 a.m. - 5 p.m. / JUNETEENTH AT THE RITZ / 829 N. DAVIS STREET
3 p.m. - 9 p.m. / MELANIN MARKET / A. PHILIP RANDOLPH BOULEVARD
7 p.m. - 9 p.m. / MISS JUNETEENTH SCHOLARSHIP PAGEANT / RITZ AUDITORIUM
SUNDAY, JUNE 19
11 a.m. - 6 p.m. / FATHER’S DAY BBQ / A. PHILIP RANDOLPH REGIONAL PARK
MONDAY, JUNE 20
11 a.m. - 6 p.m. / JUNETEENTH JAZZ / 135 W. MONROE STREET (ACROSS FROM CITY HALL)
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