Thursday, June 15, 2023–12:30 p.m.

-Rome News-Tribune-

Often referred to as America’s second independence day, the Juneteenth holiday will be celebrated in Rome beginning on Friday with events planned through Monday.

The holiday celebrated June 19 marks the date when Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, in 1865 to emancipate the last enslaved Americans following the Civil War, more than five months after the 13th Amendment was ratified. Juneteenth became a federal holiday in 2021.

On Friday, at 6 p.m. at the Rome City Auditorium on Broad Street, a free talent showcase themed “Still, We Rise” will tell the story of the holiday expressed through song, dance, and music.

On Saturday at noon, a parade — featuring floats including a replica of the horse named Freedom — will be on Broad Street. The lineup for the parade will begin at 11 a.m. on East First Avenue.

On Sunday morning worship service will be held at 11 a.m. at Greater Mount Calvary Baptist Church, 445 E, 14th St. The speaker will be former state representative Tyrone Brooks.

On Sunday afternoon at 3:30 p.m., there will be a free showing of “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” at the DeSoto Theatre downtown. The event is sponsored by One Community United, the Rome International Film Festival, and The Historic DeSoto Theatre Foundation.

Donations will be accepted and concessions will be available for a charge to help defray the costs incurred by the three nonprofits hosting the film. The DeSoto doors will open at 2:30 p.m. and the theater accommodates 498 people. Attendees are encouraged to come early to ensure they get seats.

The City of Rome Administrative Offices will be closed on Monday in observance of the holiday.

Monday’s garbage, yard waste, & recycling will be serviced on Tuesday.

Tuesday’s garbage, yard waste, & recycling will be serviced on Wednesday.

The Walker Mountain Landfill will be closed Monday.

The Georgia Department of Public Health free COVID-19 test site at Coosa Valley Fairgrounds, Rome, will also be closed on Monday, June 19, for the Juneteenth holiday.