Residents from across Emanuel County and surrounding areas gathered in Swainsboro on Saturday, June 20, for the Second Annual Juneteenth Emanuel Festival, a day dedicated to celebrating freedom, culture, education, and community unity.
Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when enslaved African Americans in Texas learned they were free more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued. Today, the holiday serves as a celebration of African American history, resilience, and progress.
Hosted by the Juneteenth Emanuel Committee, the festival featured live entertainment, local vendors, food, family activities, educational opportunities, and community fellowship throughout the day.
The event showcased strong community support, with local businesses, organizations, volunteers, and student-athletes helping make the festival a success. Members of the Swainsboro Lady Tigers Basketball program and the Swainsboro High School football program volunteered throughout the day, assisting with festival activities and demonstrating the spirit of service and community involvement.
Entertainment was a major highlight of the festival. DJ JR James Mosley kept the energy high throughout the day, providing music that kept attendees engaged and the celebration moving. Performances were also provided by GMO of Swainsboro and Bre of Jacksonville, Florida, showcasing local and regional talent. The Swainsboro Middle School African Dance Ensemble delivered a special performance, educating and entertaining the audience through the presentation of traditional African dances and cultural expression. Arthur Jones provided sound for the live performances throughout the event. The evening concluded with a standout headline performance from Savannah’s own Kimberly Frazier Gunn, whose powerful vocals, stage presence, and energy brought the Second Annual Juneteenth Emanuel Festival to an unforgettable close.
A diverse lineup of vendors enhanced the festival experience, featuring a wide range of offerings including food, desserts, handcrafted goods, artwork, community resources, and small business services. Local and regional vendors filled the venue throughout the evening, giving attendees the opportunity to shop, connect, and support entrepreneurs while enjoying the celebration. One of the festival’s unique attractions was the participation of Macy’s from Savannah, which brought a mobile shopping experience to the event. Attendees had the opportunity to browse and purchase items on-site, including Father’s Day gifts and other merchandise, marking a first-of-its-kind addition to the Juneteenth Emanuel Festival.
One of the evening’s highlights was the presentation of the “Pioneers of Today, Legends of Tomorrow” Awards. Recipients were selected through a community poll and recognized for their impact across Emanuel County. Honorees included Shayna Boston (Community Leader), Alexandria Walden and Dwight Smith (Educators), Quintus Williams (Youth Change Maker), Wendy Mack (Entrepreneur), Teaira Benjamin (Artist & Creative), and Shon Corley (Everyday Hero). Special Trailblazer Awards were presented to Ms. Phyllis Strobridge and Ms. Syvetta Young for their lasting contributions to the community.
Festival organizers also expressed appreciation to the event’s sponsors, whose support helped make the celebration possible. Sponsors included Mill Creek Foundation, Daniels Chevrolet GMC Trucks Inc., Prime Time–Liquor Vault LLC, St. Paul-Noah’s Ark AME Church, Citizens Bank of Swainsboro, The Salvation Church, Sates Treasures, Syvetta Young, Velma Jenkins, the Emanuel County NAACP, Hibbett Sports, and the Juneteenth Emanuel Committee.
Festival organizers expressed gratitude to sponsors, vendors, volunteers, performers, and attendees for their support, noting that the event’s mission is to educate, celebrate culture, promote unity, and strengthen the community.
As the second annual celebration concluded, organizers were already looking ahead to 2027, hoping to continue building on the festival’s success and impact throughout Emanuel County.
