Juneteenth 2015 Opelika, Alabama

June 19 2015 was a great day of remembrance, realization, recognition and celebration.  People came from near and far to learn, love and celebrate emancipation of slaves. The Opelika community joined together to engage and embrace community in unity or unison.  The Friday night events included performances of songs, poetry,  and a  play. The host,  which was myself, shared four inspirational, insightful,  illustrative,  poems entitled: 'What is -ment?', 'Hooked',  'Amazing' and 'New News'. Jan Morgan Canada shared one of the most amazing poems I have ever heard entitled: "Who Are Your Folks,  Who You Be".The talented Oscar Penn performed a medley of songs with a familiar sound but with a unique special personal and spiritual message.  Paul Crook sang a song that touch not only my spirit but also moved everyone present at the Juneteenth Flex at The Plex event. Kid GotIt  performed a hip-hop song that encourages everyone to wake up an realize how important it is for everyone to unify and relentlessly promote and engage in positive activity that encourages stronger, healthier and wealthier community. The play Suicide highlighted the message that black on black crime, ignorance, the unhealthy uneducated lifestyle and negative attitude is suicide to black people.  Collectively the  event went off without a hitch despite several technical difficulties from the sound team. Saturday, June  20th festivities concluded the Juneteenth weekend with a parade that began at Bethesda Baptist Church went through downtown Opelika ending in courthouse square.  The 2015 Juneteenth celebration was definitely something to witness. Great people joined forces for the greatest good. Keep up the "Godwork"; there are people that care enough to share engage and support what is important  right to propel and promote positivity for the well-being of the world.

Extra special thanks to everyone involved in making GEMS Empowered Inc. 2015 Juneteenth celebration a major success!