It was a milestone moment in American history — and one that resonates particularly with Alicia Fairley.
“To me, Juneteenth means freedom,” says Fairley, assistant director of festival affairs for Gulfport’s City-Wide Juneteenth Celebration. “I love that Juneteenth is being recognized not only as a national holiday, but as the day we all were free.”
Once again, Gulfport is gearing up for a massive, multi-day observance, and Fairley is excited to be involved. The festivities will kick off on June 19 and continue through the 23rd, blending education, culture, service and fun to commemorate the end of slavery in the United States.
This marks Fairley’s third year on the celebration committee, and her involvement began when she saw a Facebook post about the event — which prompted her to contact Juneteenth Festival President Bobby Hudson and ask to participate.
“I was eager to be part of the festival,” she says. “I love being able to help educate the community.”
In her role, according to Hudson, Fairley contributes to the planning and execution of the Freedom Festival by confirming and communicating with vendors, maintaining scheduled activities and entertainment and providing children’s activities. Not only does she perform her duties well, he says, but she goes above and beyond to ensure the celebration’s success.
“Alicia is a rockstar and serves as my right hand on this amazing team of individuals,” Hudson says, praising her dedication and flexibility. “Alicia truly does make a profound impact on the success of Juneteenth in Gulfport.”
For her part, Fairley is simply enthusiastic about the occasion and the significance of Juneteenth. The local festival began in 2020, when community members gathered at New Evening Star Baptist Church to receive proclamation from the City of Gulfport. Although many communities were celebrating Juneteenth for more than a century, it wasn’t federally recognized until 2021 — amid the furor surrounding the death of George Floyd.
Falling on June 19, the holiday commemorates the date, over two years after the Emancipation Proclamation, when 250,000 Black people enslaved in Texas were the last to receive notice that they were free.
“There is a misunderstanding about Juneteenth only being celebrated by Black Americans,” Fairley says. “Juneteenth can be celebrated by all Americans. This is the day all Americans became free, and we should all revel on Juneteenth.”
Celebrate Juneteenth in Gulfport
June 19-June 23
• The festivities kick off on June 19 at 10:19 a.m., with a commencement ceremony at Gulfport City Hall, led by Mayor Billy Hewes. At 6:19 PM, the Griots Society will host the second annual Harry C. Tartt Ecumenical Service at Morning Star Baptist Church, inviting the community to unite in reflection and solidarity.
• June 20 will be dedicated to Cultural Education Day Camp for elementary students, providing a dynamic learning experience that celebrates African American history, art and traditions.
• On Friday, June 21, the spotlight shines on emerging talent with the Mary Spinks-Thigpen Talent Showcase. Young artists from Gulfport will showcase their skills in music, dance, poetry and more, competing for scholarships that support their artistic endeavors and educational pursuits.
• Saturday, June 22, marks a Day of Service, as Gulfport residents give back to their community.
• The celebration culminates on Sunday, June 23, with the City-Wide Festival, filling Westside Park with music, food, and joyous celebration. Those in attendance will be treated to live performances, cultural exhibits, local vendors, children’s activities and more.
• For more information: Call (228) 563-0860 or find Gulfport City-Wide Juneteenth Celebration on Facebook and gulfportjuneteenth on Instagram.