Celebrating African American Freedom & Achievement in Gulfport
Activities
Join the Fun
Convos with Griots
Juneteenth Griots Society
The Griots were established by the Juneteenth Celebration Committee to serve as official elders and/or ceremonial storytellers for the Juneteenth Celebration Weekend. The Griots’ character was created based off of the historical African Griots who are storytellers of Western African folklore and stories, but in the American experience Griots have a charge to communicate the stories of “how we got over”, the stories that bring us to be able to celebrate Juneteenth today. For the purpose of Juneteenth, The Griots Society embraces various community members between ages 55 and 85, that will help educate Juneteenth participants through testimonials, reading of sacred text and cultural stories, and Q&A sessions. The Griots will have a scheduled interactive reading during the children’s activities. They will also have a reserved area to display african literature, cultural art, and have conversations with community members.
Cultural Education & Art
“Sankofa”
As part of our Juneteenth Festival (June 18th), the Griots Society will provide a breadth of cultural art and educational discussions related to African American freedom and achievement, as well as black history in the City of Gulfport.
Wadago Village
Children's Activities
• Bounce House & Playground• Juneteenth Crafts & Games• Mobile Gaming• Field /Outdoor Activities and more!
Live Music & Entertainment
Cultural Entertainment
Throughout the weekend, we will have a host of special entertainment acts. From poem dramatization to dancers, we have quite the entertainment in store! We also have various live performances during the Juneteenth Festival. Inspirational Gospel singers, dancers, and choirs; along with DJ C-Rock on live music with some R&B, Party, Blues, & Oldies! We wrap up the celebration with the Freedom Rally showcasing Gulfport’s talent!
Freedom Weekend 2023
June 15 - 17, 2023
Take a look below for the full details on the Freedom Weekend Celebration for Gulfport City-Wide Juneteenth. If you have any questions about specific activities or event timing, please don’t hesitate to get in touch - we’ll be happy to help.
6:00 PM / Lockett-Williams Mortuary
Thursday, June 15th / The Harry C. Tartt Ecumenical Service
The Gulfport Juneteenth Griots Society is excited to present the Inaugural Harry C. Tartt Juneteenth Ecumenical Service!
In honor of Mr. Harry C. Tartt, we are celebrating the history of Juneteenth and the trailblazers who have helped shape our community. The annual service is a way for the the Griots and Juneteenth Committee to kick-off the weekend activities.
The service will include various speakers on Afro-American education and history, cultural entertainment, a memorial for community trailblazers, and more.
The perfect kick-off to Freedom Weekend, be sure to join us!
6:19 PM
Friday, June 16th / Black Excellence Celebration
The Black Excellence Celebration is dedicated to honoring the history of African American freedom, celebrating community leaders and advocates, and presenting scholarships to the recipients of the Mary Spinks-Thigpen Oratorical Contest.
This year’s community awards will honor three individuals with The Christene Brice Leader-In-Action Award, The Lloyd Croutch Service-To-Culture Award, and the Rutha E. Haskins Medal for Cultural Awareness.
This year’s oratorical contest will provide over $2,000 in scholarships for African American students on the MS Gulf Coast.
Tickets are $25 and accompanied with a dinner menu provided by Flava Krave Catering.
Doors open at 6 PM, and attire is semi-formal.
“Celebrating African American Excellence & Achievement”
12:19 PM / Festival Kick-Off
Saturday, June 17th / Freedom Festival
#CelebrateJuneteenth with us at the Freedom Festival and come out and enjoy local entertainment from all along the MS Gulf Coast including gospel artists and churches, Blues & Oldies, Hip-Hop, Live Music and more.
There are a breadth of activities for the community to be engaged in, as well as over 50+ food, craft, and resource vendors.
Family-Friendly Event, and free to the public!