Celebrating Freedom
Juneteenth in Jasper

SATURDAY'S SHOWERS were not a hindrance to the crowd that showed up at Sandy Creek Park for the annual Juneteenth celebration. Pictured clockwise from upper left, Emiaya Johnson hides her eyes while competing in the pageant. Upper right, Lakeisha Armstrong dances in the rain during Saturday's festivities at the park. Pictured above, two young anglers work for that big catch during the fishing tournament. Middle left, Skylar Strother competes in the evening gown competition while far left, Juneteenth Baby Miss contestant DaKaiya Houston takes part in the competition.

In spite of rain, rain, and more rain, the Juneteenth pageant never gave up, and by the end, a crowd of several hundred gathered at Sandy Creek Park in Jasper to enjoy the fireworks last Saturday, June 16.

"Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States," according to The Committee for One that organizes Jasper's event.

Proceeds from the event benefit three Jasper charities each year. This year's recipients will be Top Ladies of Distinction, the Central Christian Missionary group, and the Angelina River Volunteer Fire Department.

The Miss Ebony pageant was held June 14 at Mt. Olive Baptist Church. Winners were as follows:

Tiny Tots (6-24 mos.)

Winner and most photogenic, Skylar Strother, daughter of Spencer and Joselyn Strother; first runner up, Jaelyn McDougal, daughter of Roland and Andra McDougal; second, Emiaya Johnson, daughter of Benita Houston; third Dakaiya Houston, daughter of Kerry Houston.

Princess (3-6 years)

Winner overall and sportswear winner, Oneisha Londell Simmons, daughter of Jackie Simmons and Sgt. O'Neal Simmons; first runner up, Shaniyah McBride, daughter of Melanie Richard; second, Trehelious Jones, daughter of Angela Jones; most photogenic, Jalieah McDougal.

Countess (7-10 years)

Winner overall and talent winner, Sarah Mitchell, daughter of Krystal Williams and granddaughter of Sis and Rodney Norsworthy; first runner up and most photogenic, Alexa Brianne Payton, daughter of Kenderick Payton and Nicole James; second, Chelsea Horn, daughter of Tremena and Alton Horn.

Teens

Winner and most photogenic, Kiara Fowler, daughter of Belinda Simmons Cheatham; first runner up, Nicole Standly, daughter of George Rawls.

Skyler Strother also received the "most industrious" over all award.

Watermelon eating contest winners were Andria McDougal, Theresa Johnson and Wretha Thompson.

Fishing tournament winners were, in ages 2-11, Cierra Filyaw for largest fish and Ledale White for smallest; ages 12-18, Samuel McFarland for largest fish and Nicole Stanley for smallest; adults, Patrick Mays for largest fish and Billie J. Mays Jr. for smallest.

Rayford Chimney won the dominoes tournament

Three-on-three basketball tournament winners were crowned in four age divisions.

Organizer Dr. Willie Brown said all events were well attended. The message of the Committee for One is that "Juneteenth emphasizes education and achievement. It is a time for reflection and rejoicing... (it is) a day where we all take one step closer to better utilize the energy wasted on racism."

Photos by Charles Kerr