Natchez, Mississippi, a quaint river city rich in culture and history, presents a series of events to celebrate Juneteenth. The national holiday commemorates the emancipation of enslaved Americans, as well as African-American culture and history.
See a full list of programming below.
Melrose Through the Labor of Others: The McMurrans as Enslavers
June 10 – June 30
Beginning on June 10 and continuing throughout the month, a temporary exhibit in the Melrose slave quarters will provide additional information on the McMurran family and the people they held in bondage. The exhibit will include the known names of nearly 400 individuals enslaved by the McMurrans at Melrose and five other plantations. This exhibit can be viewed free of charge every day.
Aldermen Meeting at NAPAC Museum
Tuesday, June 11, 11 a.m.
Each June, the Natchez Mayor and Board of Aldermen Meeting is held at the NAPAC museum, which is dedicated to presenting the history and culture of African Americans in Natchez and throughout the southern United States. This annual tradition began in June 2021. The meeting starts at 11 a.m. at 301 Main St.
Kick-Back at NAPAC
Thursday, June 13, 6 p.m.
Kick-Back at NAPAC is a special event hosted by the City of Natchez and the NAPAC Museum, honoring citizens and businesses for their contributions to the community. The event takes place at the museum, where the public is encouraged to explore the fascinating artifacts on display. Refreshments will be provided. The program will be held at the museum located at 301 Main St. For more information, please contact Bobby Dennis, the museum’s executive director, at 601-445-0728.
Natchez Welcomes Mississippi 3rd U.S. Colored Cavalry
Thursday, June 13, all day
On June 13, re-enactors from the third U.S. Colored Cavalry will ride into Natchez and establish a camp on the Bluff, where they will engage with the public and share the Cavalry’s history. The event is organized by Ser Seshsh Ab Heter-Clifford M. Boxley, who has stated that the encampment is open to all. It is anticipated to host between 200 to 300 participants. For further information, please contact Ser Boxley at 601-442-4719.
Natchez Day of Unity
Friday, June 14 (location to be announced)
The City of Natchez will host its fifth annual Day of Unity event, which continues a tradition initiated by former Natchez Mayor Darryl Grennell in response to the 2020 George Floyd incident. “Now held annually in June to coincide with Flag Day, this tradition has become an integral part of the city’s annual Juneteenth celebration, with the location rotating each year,” stated Mayor Dan Gibson. “We celebrate harmony with both song and spoken word. One of my favorite parts of this event is when the sounding of the bells of churches throughout the city ring out as a reminder that we are all children of God made uniquely in His image.” Details regarding the time and location of this year’s event will be announced soon.
The Juneteenth Extravaganza
Friday, June 14, 7 p.m.
This special event will celebrate Juneteenth through the music of several prominent blues artists at the Natchez City Auditorium. Among the lineup are LJ Echols, Avail Hollywood, OB Buchanan and DJ Mario, alongside Melodic Princess from Fayette. Elias Lover III will serve as the host. Carol Smith, owner of The Postal Shoppe, is spearheading the event, which she plans to hold annually. Smith mentioned that the performances will offer a blend of both contemporary and classic blues artists, reminiscent of those from the Tyrone Davis era. Tickets are priced at $40 for general admission. Additionally, VIP tables accommodating eight people are available for $400 per table. Doors will open at 7 p.m., with the show commencing at 8 p.m. For further information, please contact Carol Smith at 214-551-9858 or 601-653-0490.
1st Annual Juneteenth Cheeseburger Challenge Cook-Off
Friday, June 14, 3-7 p.m.
97.7 FM and 1240 AM will kick off Juneteenth weekend with the first-ever Cheeseburger Challenge on the Bluff. Five to ten teams will compete head-to-head to see who makes the absolute best cheeseburger. Teams will grill live on-site in downtown Natchez between 3 and 7 p.m., with judging taking place at 5 p.m. WTYJ and WMIS will broadcast live on site, with DJ Buzz providing the soundtrack for the event. The contest will be held on N. Broadway St., in front of the Natchez Grand Hotel. Grand prizes include $400 for First Place, $200 for Second Place, and ‘Bragging Rights.’ This event is organized by New Vision Broadcasting in partnership with the City of Natchez. For more information, contact Malcolm Innis at info@newvisionbroadcasting.com or by calling 601-442-2522.
Natchez Juneteenth Community Awards Fashion Extravaganza
Friday, June 14, 7 p.m.
A community awards and fashion show will be held in recognition of Juneteenth at the Natchez City Auditorium. Hosted by Delvie Gales of Natchez, the program will include a Hat Fundraiser and tickets cost $15 per person. Organizers are seeking participants from churches and other non-profit organizations. “We’re looking for the well-dressed mothers and deacons of the church, among others,” said Jarita Fraizer-King, who is spearheading the event. “We’re asking the participants to come dressed in their Sunday’s Best with the hats.” The award categories include the Prince Ibrahima Community Hero Award, This Little Light of Mine–Youth Leadership and Volunteerism Award, Leontyne Price Music Excellence Award, Shining Star Award for Special Needs Advocacy, William Johnston Entrepreneurial Spirit Award, Mrs. Mc Grew Hot Tamales Culinary Award, John Banks and AW Dumas Medical Provider Excellence Award and the Joe Frazier Excellence in Education Award.
Juneteenth Travel in Time Spring Fling
Saturday, June 15, 10-1 p.m.
The NAACP, in collaboration with local businesses, will host its Community Carnival at Concord Quarters. The event will offer a blend of fun, games and education for area youth. Organizer Malcolm Innis, owner of New Vision Broadcasting, stated, “Among other things, the carnival aims to provide a fun and engaging environment to teach children the history of Juneteenth and its significance.” The Community Carnival is organized by New Vision Broadcasting in partnership with the City of Natchez. For more information, contact Malcolm Innis at info@newvisionbroadcasting.com or by calling 601-442-2522.
1st Annual Choir Showcase
Sunday, June 16, 3-7 p.m.
The first annual Juneteenth Choir Competition, featuring five of the area’s ‘best choirs,’ will be held in recognition of Juneteenth at the Natchez City Auditorium. The event will showcase five area churches in a competition to determine the winner of the 1st Annual Juneteenth Choir Competition and to award a cash prize. Grand prizes will include $1,000 for First Place and $250 for Second Place. The Choir Showcase is organized by 97.7 FM and 1240 AM in partnership with the City of Natchez. For more information, please contact Malcolm Innis at info@newvisionbroadcasting.com or by calling 601-442-2522.
Melrose Juneteenth Luminary
Wednesday, June 19, 7:30 p.m.
In commemoration of the Juneteenth holiday, Natchez National Historical Park will present a luminary on the front lawn at the Melrose estate at 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, June 19th, at #1 Melrose-Montebello Parkway, Natchez. This grand illumination will be held in remembrance of the nearly 700 enslaved people who involuntarily labored at Melrose and on the associated cotton plantations of John and Mary Louisa McMurran. The Melrose front gate will close at 5:00 p.m. that day and reopen at 7:30 p.m. Visitors are asked to park in the main parking lot and walk to the lower portion of the front lawn where an area will be set aside specifically for solemn reflection. The public is encouraged to bring lawn chairs and flashlights, as it will be dark. The observation will conclude at 9:30, and the gates will close at 10:00 p.m. For more information, visit www.nps.gov/natc.
Melrose Juneteenth Tours
Wednesday, June 19
On Wednesday, June 19th, the staff of the Natchez National Historical Park will provide tours of the Melrose mansion at #1 Melrose-Montebello Parkway, Natchez, focusing on the African American experience. These tours will highlight what is known about the enslaved men, women, and children who lived and labored at the estate, as well as the system of slavery in this region that made such extravagant homes possible. Melrose house tours take place seven days a week at 9 a.m., 10 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m., and 4 p.m. The cost for adults is $11.00, while children 15 and under are free. Tour tickets can be purchased at Melrose or online in advance at Recreation.gov. For more information, visit www.nps.gov/natc.
Juneteenth African American Tours
Entire month of June
Special tours focusing on African American history are offered in June in recognition of Juneteenth. They’re led by Rev’s Country Tours who tells the dramatic and significant stories of African Americans in Natchez.