Jonesboro, AR – Contributed – KLEK 102.5 FM proudly announces the return of Juneteenth in Jonesboro 2026, a weeklong community celebration honoring freedom, culture, education, and unity.
Since launching the event in 2017, KLEK has continued to grow Juneteenth in Jonesboro into one of Northeast Arkansas’ most anticipated annual celebrations.
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The 9th Annual Juneteenth in Jonesboro celebration will take place from Friday, June 12 through Friday, June 19, featuring events across Jonesboro that highlight health, history, music, civic engagement, faith, and family fun.
This year’s theme is: “Rooted in History, Rising Together.”
Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, the day enslaved African Americans in Galveston, TX, were finally informed of their freedom, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. Today, Juneteenth serves as both a celebration of freedom and a reminder of the continuing journey toward equality and unity.
“Every year we want Juneteenth in Jonesboro to educate, inspire, and bring people together,” said KLEK General Manager LaGanzie Kale. “This celebration is about honoring the past while building stronger connections for the future. We are grateful to the community for continuing to support and grow this event year after year.”
All events are free to attend unless otherwise noted.
Schedule of Events
Friday, June 12
- Juneteenth Kickoff Celebration
- Legends BBQ Smokehouse
- 1025 W. Johnson Ave
- 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Saturday, June 13
- Community Health Screening
- St. Bernard’s Auditorium
- 505 E. Washington Ave.
- Begins at 8:30 a.m.
- Juneteenth Parade
- Lineup: St. Bernard’s Auditorium
- 505 E. Washington Ave.
- 9 a.m. lineup | 9:30 a.m. start
- Community Fair
- Parker Park Community Center
- 1506 N. Church St.
- 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Sunday, June 14
- Community Worship Service
- Fullness of Joy Ministries
- 2120 Thorn St.
- 3 p.m.
Monday, June 15
- American Red Cross Blood Drive
- Parker Park Community Center
- 1506 N. Church St.
- 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
- “The Cost of Freedom” with Dr. Cherisse Jones-Branch
- Streamed live on KLEK social media
- 7 p.m.
Tuesday, June 16
- Virtual Political Forum
- Hosted by Kappa Nu Omega Chapter
- Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
- 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Streamed live on KLEK social media
Wednesday, June 17
- KASU Public Radio Art Meripol Black History Exhibit
- Arkansas State University Humanities Building
- 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Thursday, June 18
- Juneteenth Jam
- Featuring Mark Echols, Ray Kelly, and Live Band
- Legends BBQ Smokehouse
- 1025 W. Johnson Ave.
- 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- $10 Admission | 21+ Event
Friday, June 19 – Juneteenth
- The Baritone Jazz Junction Jazz Concert
- Craighead County Jonesboro Public Library
- 315 W. Oak Ave.
- 6 p.m.
- Juneteenth Fireworks Celebration
- University Lions Park
- 502 1/2 N. Bridge St.
- Gates Open: 8:30 p.m.
- Fireworks Begin: 9:15 p.m.
The evening will also feature a Mayoral Proclamation by Mayor Harold Copenhaver recognizing Juneteenth National Independence Day in the City of Jonesboro.
About Juneteenth in Jonesboro
KLEK began organizing Juneteenth in Jonesboro in 2017 to create a meaningful community celebration centered around history, culture, education, and unity. Over the years, the event has evolved into a citywide tradition bringing together residents from across Northeast Arkansas to commemorate freedom and celebrate the contributions of African Americans to American history and culture.
About KLEK 102.5 FM
Founded in 2015, KLEK LP 102.5 FM is Jonesboro’s first and only Black owned community radio station. Operated by The Voice of Arkansas Minority Advocacy Council, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, KLEK provides music, news, public affairs programming, and community outreach designed to educate, entertain, and empower.
For more information, click here or follow KLEK on social media @klekfm.
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