The Shadow
Approximately 240 people turned out to celebrate Juneteenth at Jeter-Watson Park, last Saturday, “exceeding our expectations,” said Greg Rice, Juneteenth Committee Chairman.
This year’s celebration was sponsored by Pine Street Baptist Church, Gospel Tabernacle Church of God in Christ, Concerned Christian Church, Wrightsville Baptist Church, Historic First Baptist Church, and Stephanie R. Clark Ministries’ Online Church and “a lot of fun was had by all,” added Rice.
The program opened with a welcome and overview of the Juneteenth Holiday history. “It’s so good to see black and white here today,” said Rev. Timothy Preston. “This is a celebration for all of us,” added Preston before he led the audience in a moment of silence for deceased ancestors and to “remember those who paved the way.”
Rev. Charlie S. Ellis, Jr., pastor, Pine Street Baptist Church gave the invocation and David Crosier, vice mayor, of Covington, followed by leading the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag and the National Anthem. Crosier came back later in the program to give a rendition of the hymn, Amazing Grace.
Vincent Wyatt, Athletic Director, Mountain Gateway Community College, gave the keynote address. “I’m just like each and every one of you out there,” began Wyatt. He expressed how glad he was “to come out here to talk about something I’m so extremely passionate about; mental health,” said Wyatt” He gave an overview of his upbringing, which included attending various schools and being in foster care. “Whatever you want to see in this life, you must first do yourself. If you want to see change then be that change,” were the marching orders Wyatt left the audience at the conclusion his address.
Bishop Alfred “Mustard” Dearing, pastor, Come As You Are Ministries, Clifton Forge, and Host of Precious Memories Gospel Hour, served as DJ and Master of Ceremony. Diane Laws and Karen Waldren read poetry.
Later in the program, candidates for local and state offices shared their platforms on why they chose to fun for office. Clark is running for the Virginia House Delegates, District 37 seat, against Incumbent Terry Austin. Jade Harris, Glasgow, is running for Virginia Senate, District 3 seat, against Incumbent Tommy Norment, Jr. And, Brad Armentrout is running for Alleghany County Sheriff, against Incumbent Kevin Hall. Each candidate offered to hear any complaints or suggestions and asked for support in helping them get elected.
The program portion of the celebration closed with the audience singing Lift Every Voice and Sing, often referred to as “the Black National Anthem.” The bouncy houses, corn-hole, pick-up basketball, drawings for prizes, food, and fellowship continued until early evening.
Rice thanked the committee members “for all of the hard work they put in: Linda Cook, Donna Wooding, Kim Lewis, with special thanks to Milton Helton and Marie Fitzpatrick.” The committee also thanks sponsors, businesses, churches, and all in attendance for their gifts, contributions, donations, and food.
