Two Juneteenth celebrations will take place in Bay Minette, offering residents a chance to commemorate the historic day and engage in community-building activities.

The first event, Juneteenth: The Day of Freedom, will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, June 15, at the Douglasville School of Arts & Recreation. The celebration will feature vendor booths, live entertainment, historical displays, games and various activities.

"Our hope is to highlight achievements and perpetuate further growth in our community," organizers said. "With the recent signing of the bill stating that Juneteenth is now an official Alabama state holiday, this event will commemorate that event and promote goodwill throughout our community."

The Mutual Aid Benevolent Association will provide complimentary lunches and host numerous activities, including jumpers, arts and crafts and games for both adults and youth. Local performers, including church choirs like Path to Peace and local step teams, will entertain attendees. Informational booths will offer details on voting, job opportunities and more.

Organizers have outlined five primary goals for the event: offering youth employment options that do not require a college education, promoting pride and cultural awareness, increasing voter participation, uniting local churches and supporting minority-owned entrepreneurs.

The Men of the Coalition will have a booth focused on voter education, including how to register to vote, finding voting locations and understanding the absentee voter process. A Legacy Booth will honor prominent figures from Bay Minette's past and present, such as Naval War Hero Vincent Ulmer, the first black newspaper publisher Stephen J. Boykin and NFL star turned politician Wallace Gilberry.

The Douglasville High School Heritage Museum, located on the former campus of Douglasville High School — Baldwin County's second public high school for black students — will be open for tours. The museum, housed in the first permanent structure of the school, contains memorabilia and artifacts of interest. Tour guides will highlight the achievements of the school's alumni and their descendants.

Other participants in the event include the Africa Town Museum, Baldwin County Sheriff's Department, Bay Minette Fire Department and representatives from the Army and Marines. The Douglasville School of Arts & Recreation is located at 1000 Shedrick Hardy Parkway. For more information or to sign up as a vendor, contact Marquise Usher at (661) 789-8581 or email marquiseusher@yahoo.com.

The second celebration, "Juneteenth: Freedom Day," will take place from 2 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, June 19, at Ulmer Park. This inaugural event will feature a full day of activities, workshops, and guest speakers.

Workshops will cover topics such as Juneteenth history and heritage, hair care and fitness. Games will include basketball, tug-of-war, water balloon toss, kickball and bounce houses. The event will also feature special community speakers.

Ulmer Park is located at 1403 Shedrick Hardy Parkway in Bay Minette.