Courtesy of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) is proud to host the inaugural Juneteenth in the Bluff: Arts & Culture Festival on Friday, June 14, 2024, from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. in Pine Bluffâs downtown Delta Rhythm and Bayous Cultural District (3rd & Main). This festival, sponsored by the Pine Bluff Advertising and Promotion Commission, is a free and open invitation to all members of our diverse community.
To kick off the Juneteenth weekend, the evening-long festival will feature the soulful tunes of Blues Hall of Famer Latimore, the electrifying performances of the hard-hitting, rhythm-making Fuzzy Jeffries, and the Kings of Memphis, and the powerful voice of Ms Zeno, The Mojo Queen, and other local musicians. The celebration of freedom festival will also feature a vibrant farmers market and farm-to-table food tastings by the ACF Arkansas Delta Chefs Association, engaging art activities for youth, captivating art exhibits by the UAPB Art Department, and a variety of vendor booths. Donât miss out on the chance to win exciting giveaways or indulge in the food and beverage delights for purchase offered by our food trucks.
âThe Juneteenth in the Bluff festival celebrates freedom and triumph and embraces the regionâs rich arts and culture legacy,â UAPB Vice Chancellor of Institutional Advancement George Cotton said. âWe are thrilled about bringing this event to our community and look forward to showcasing the amazing talent on display.â
Juneteenth, short for June 19, commemorates the day enslaved African Americans in Texas finally learned of their freedom, two and a half years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the 1863 Emancipation Proclamation. Notably, Juneteenth occurred only seven years before the founding of Branch Normal College, now UAPB. Join us as we honor this shared history and celebrate the progress weâve made.