Keeping History Alive

TEXARKANA, Ark. - Keeping History Alive kicked off Texarkana's month-long series of Juneteenth celebrations.

The Scholars youth organization and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity hosted the event on Saturday evening at Arkansas High. The event commemorated those who formerly marched for civil rights so that today's youth can walk freely.

The Scholars President Harmony Williams said the show featured models for a fashion show, poems, drama, the Rising Rhythm Drums for an African beat and a Black author showcase.

Vice-President Charis McCrary said the Juneteenth Committee was created by her, Williams, Chiquita Burks and Rhonda Dolberry. Also, McCrary credited Phillip Parrish who helped with the sketches, monologues, memorization and the overall preparation.

"Especially from a group of predominantly young, African American kids, it means a lot," said parliamentarian Jaxon Bruce. "The community pours a lot into us; so this is us taking our talents, our strengths and giving them back to the community, as a whole, showing off our talents in a culturally significant way. And, it's basically the theme is 'Keeping History Alive'  so it's basically, you can't have a future if you don't know where you came from; so it's great that we do this to keep so the community knows our heritage, our culture." 
 
Upcoming Juneteenth events include A Gospel Explosion concert on June 14, a Juneteenth parade and festival on June 20 and the Terry Rogers 3-on-3 basket ball tournament on June 27.