It began in Temple Plaza around 2 PM on Monday, and by the time Pastor Thomas Miller gave the program’s opening prayer for Downtown Danville’s Juneteenth Celebration, hundreds were in attendance.
AUDIO: In the name of Jesus we thank you, God. Everybody shout GLORY! (GLORY!) HALLELUJAH! (HALLELUJAH!)
The Mosaic City Church’s Pastor LeStan Hoskins, who gave a moving speech about adults setting the right example for the kids, told Neuhoff Media beforehand that it was great to have a strong community turnout.
AUDIO: It’s great to bring our community together on something positive, share our love with one another, and just bring about positive vibes.
(First Picture) Emcee Chris Hightower speaks from Temple Plaza stage. (Third Picture) Danville Mosaic Church’s Pastor LeStan Hoskins addresses crowd from in front of stage.
Erik Felix served as the DJ, bringing the sound for the message.
AUDIO: Very important to be a part of this to be able to give them a sound system that they can hear. They can enjoy the music; we can have a good time together.
Danville High School football coach Marcus Forest was there with many of his players; saying you’ll be seeing a lot of them at an upcoming event this weekend as well.
AUDIO: We’ve got a lot of kids that are extremely excited about being involved the community, helping out in any way that they can. We’ve got some kids that are going to go help at Arts in the Park. But it was really important for me the have them come out and be involved in the Juneteenth celebration. We got kids from all ethnicities; all backgrounds. And for them to see everything that’s going on; be involved, help, be welcomed in; it’s something that brings the community together.
(Middle Picture) Pastor Thomas Miller leads crowd in opening prayer.
Danville Alderman and Three Kings of Peace member Ed Butler liked what he saw.
AUDIO: And letting them know that the African American community can come out here and really have a good time. They’re together with their peace and harmony; showing love and all that stuff, amongst each other.
Event emcee Chris Hightower mentioned that although it was great to have the event in Lincoln Park previously, he believes Downtown Danville is where it belongs.
AUDIO: The fact that this is the hub of our city. And it’s cool to do it in a park, but I would much rather have it right here in the hub of the city; so cars that are driving by, they see that we’re down here. And they have the opportunity to come out and participate, and learn a little bit about what Juneteenth stands for and what it’s about.
Danville Alderwoman and Vice-Mayor Tricia Teague agreed.
AUDIO: Juneteenth is not just a celebration for African Americans. It should be a celebration for all Americans and for all Danville citizens. And so, all Danville residents are welcome here in Temple Plaza; and this is the best place for it.
OUTCUE AUDIO: portion of “Lift Every Voice and Sing” (Black National Anthem)
