Alvin M. Keeling 
By SALINA POST
A variety of activities are planned for the June 19, 2022 celebration of Salina.
June 19 has been celebrated on June 19 in the United States since 1865, when Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas and announced to slaves that the Civil War was over and slavery had been abolished in under the Emancipation Proclamation that was issued more than two years earlier on January 1, 1863, according to reports on salinajuneteenth.org.
The term “Juneteenth” evolved from a mixture of “June” and “19th”, according to the Salina Juneteenth website.
June 19 became a federal holiday in 2021. This year, the federal holiday will be observed on June 20.
In 2007, the Salina Juneteenth Committee was formed and the group’s first celebration in Salina was held on June 16-17, 2007.
A number of activities are planned in Salina as part of the June 19 celebration. Below is the Salina Celebration schedule as provided by the Salina Juneteenth Committee.
Friday
6:30 p.m. Jammin’ Jay LamontGreat Plains Manufacturing Convention Hall at Tony’s Pizza Events Center, 800 The Midway
Known as the human iPod, Lamont is set to perform as part of a special celebration June 16 to benefit St. John’s Salina Missionary Baptist Church. A barbecue dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m., with the Lamont show at 8 p.m. Tickets are $50 per person for the meal and the show. General admission tickets for the show only are available for $25.
7 p.m., Wreath Laying MemorialGypsum Hill Cemetery, 2020 E. Iron
Join us for a memorial service in honor of Dana Adams. Adams was a 20-year-old man from Salina who was lynched by a mob in 1893 and never got justice. We remember him and others who were almost forgotten on this occasion.
LILY: Remembrance of Dana Adams, dedication at the marker on the weekend of June 16
Saturday at St. John’s Missionary Baptist Church215 S.Chicago Street
8 a.m. to 10 a.m., All-U-Can Eat Pancake Feed
Join us for breakfast to kick off our 2022 celebration! Tickets are $3 per person and include a serving of sausage, juice, and coffee.
11am-1pm, Gospel Extravagance
With special guests such as BET’s Sunday Best finalist Roy Moye III. Join our local choirs, praise dancers and worship teams for service you won’t forget!
2 p.m. to 5 p.m., neighborhood party
We will end the day with an afternoon of games, vendors, music and great food! Our featured supplier, the Kansas Black Farmers Association, will be on hand to raise awareness about COVID-19 and provide information to young people interested in farming.*
8:30-11:30 p.m., annual danceMartinelli’s Little Italy, 158 S. Santa Fe Avenue
Dance the night away with us at our official party! Tickets are $15 per person. A cash bar and appetizers will be available. To buy tickets or for more information, go to salinajuneteenth.org.
* The Kansas Black Farmers Association Mobile Vaccination Van will be on site from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. with free vaccines, tests, and kits! $25 gift cards for vaccinations and many other freebies will be available. First, second and third doses, for children five years and older. Medical staff will be present to answer questions, according to information from the Salina Juneteenth committee.
