Local men’s club plans Juneteenth festival

ALBANY — Men United of Albany will throw its inaugural Juneteenth Festival at American Legion Post 512 Saturday.

The event’s stated goal is to “promote and cultivate knowledge and appreciation of African-American history and culture” and also serve as a fundraiser for Men United’s mentorship and community service programs. Attendees can learn about the history of Juneteenth, engage with the community, and enjoy food, music, kid’s activities and various vendors.

Bennie Russell, a member of Men United, is one of the festival’s organizers.

“(Men United of Albany) is a social service club, and what we wanted to do is bring awareness to the Juneteenth holiday,” he said. “Just like Cinco de Mayo or Independence Day, African-Americans have Juneteenth. They didn’t become free until two years after the Emancipation (Proclamation) happened. So we want to bring that awareness to the southwest Georgia area, and it gives us an opportunity to bond, come together and have good family fun.”

Organizations such as the Albany Fire Department, the Department of Family and Children Services, the Alpha Mentoring Program and others will be present for community outreach. Albany Technical College, Albany State University, Florida A&M University, the U.S. Marine Corps and other organizations will also attend for recruitment purposes. Russell said that Men United has also invited Mayor Dorothy Hubbard and Rep. Sanford Bishop to the festival.

Karla Heath-Sands will be the Juneteenth Festival’s master of ceremonies. She will introduce musical acts such as the Albany Civil Rights Institute’s Freedom Singers, jazz bands, hip-hop gospel artists, neo-soul singers and spoken word poets. Additionally, both food and non-food vendors will be out in full force. Vendors will sell artwork, African attire, shoes and jewelry.

Even with all of these organizations, caterers, vendors and artists in one place, Russell said the event wasn’t too tough to organize.

“I can say that it did take us a little bit of effort, but (with) the people we tried to collaborate with, it wasn’t hard,” he said. “All we had to do was put the pieces together and see if they had the time.”

The Juneteenth Festival will last from 10 a.m.-8 p.m Saturday at the Legion post at 815 Willie Pitts Jr. Road.

“We’re hoping that we can educate and bring the community together to have some good family fun out there,” Russell said. “That’s what we’re looking for. Bring your lawn chairs and just look to have a good time.”