Juneteenth festivities start Friday in Bay County. Find out when and where to celebrate.
Ebonee Burrell
PANAMA CITY — What started as a single-day celebration has grown to a month filled with activities and events special to the Juneteenth holiday in Panama City.
Minority PC's third annual Juneteenth Celebration includes parties, movies, ceremonies and a festival for a weeks-long schedule of events. Organizers arranged a longer celebration to allow the community several opportunities to take part in Juneteenth festivities. This year's theme is "The Ties that Bind," a focus on the values that unite the community.
"Our main purpose is to unify Bay County and we hope we could bring the community together by having these community-oriented events to fulfill our purpose," said Paul Hunt, one of the event organizers. "The key takeaway is for people to understand that (African Americans) are not only free from something but free to something. We want others to leave these events and know how important that is for us."
'Greetings from FSU':Panama City artist celebrates history of Northwest Florida with murals
Last year's Juneteenth festvities:Freedom rings! Panama City area celebrates Juneteenth with festivities
Festivities kick off with a "movies in the neighborhood" series that features a free showing of films around the community. Each movie begins at 8 p.m. and guests are encouraged to bring a lawn chair or blanket.
The movies are scheduled for three dates:
June 3: "Soul" – Millville Waterfront Park, 301 Maple Ave.
June 10: "The Great Debaters" – Oaks by the Bay Park, 2715 W. 10th St.
June 24: "The Harder They Fall" – 1325 Roosevelt Drive in Glenwood
A three-day celebration begins the weekend of Juneteenth with The All Black Affair on June 17 at the Sapp House, 224 E. Third Court. The event begins at 7 p.m. and features live music and cuisine from local African American chefs. Tickets are $30 in advance and $45 at the door. Guests are encouraged to wear black attire to the event.
The festivities continue June 18 with a festival filled with entertainment, activities and vendors at the Rosenwald High School Field, 924 Bay Ave. The free event runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and is family-friendly.
The June 19 ceremony is set for Tommy Oliver Stadium from 3-6 p.m. with a gospel celebration. The ceremony will include a session of guest speakers, including Congressman Al Lawson, music, vendors and special recognition for local teachers.
Tony Bostick, operations officer of Minority PC, said the event's primary goal is to spread awareness of the holiday and shed light on the importance of Juneteenth.
"Instead of having a single-day celebration like most holidays, we wanted to make sure we're able to spread awareness throughout the whole month," Bostick said. "It's important to have events like these to educate the younger generation because most don't know the history behind Juneteenth."
Bay County schools and union agree to raise starting salary, give 5% raise to teachers Florida's new House leader plans to form select committee on hurricane resiliency, recovery 'Great asset': Bay County Skate Park 30% complete. Commissioners vote to add restrooms Helping those in need: Salvation Army opens second thrift store in Panama City
Bostick said Bay County's Juneteenth celebration has grown to become much bigger than he anticipated. The organization plans to continue celebrating every year with a festival and hopes to soon welcome guests from across the country to join the festivities.
Minority PC has partnered with the city of Springfield, Panama City's Quality of Life Department and several local businesses and organizations. For vendor information, All Black Affair tickets, or to become a sponsor, contact J. Dia Green-Jones at 813-714-2082.
Founded in 2020 by Alesia-Glass Rhodes, Minority PC was developed as a community resource hub for the minority community in Panama City and surrounding areas. The organization serves a mission to connect minorities to the resources needed to live a healthy, prosperous and enriched life by hosting educational programs, inspiring events and promoting minority-owned businesses.