BLUEFIELD, WV (LOOTPRESS) — Residents of Bluefield, Mercer County, and surrounding communities are gearing up for two days of festivities as the 5th Annual Juneteenth Freedom and Heritage Celebration returns this June, hosted by the Mercer County Juneteenth Commission in partnership with the City of Bluefield.
The celebration kicks off on Wednesday, June 19, with a free public screening of The Six Triple Eight, an Oscar-nominated film directed by Tyler Perry and starring Kerry Washington. The movie will be shown at the Historic Granada Theatre and pays tribute to the all-Black, all-female 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion of World War II.
Festivities will continue on Saturday, June 21, with the Freedom, Resilience, and Community Celebration in downtown Bluefield. The event will be held near the Raleigh Street Theaters and the adjacent canine park, offering fun for the whole family. Attractions include:
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A Talent Extravaganza
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Food Trucks & Local Vendors
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Bouncy Houses
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50/50 Raffle
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DJ, Music, and Dancing
One of the event’s highlights will be the presentation of the Ken Hunt Juneteenth Heritage Scholarship, honoring the late Donald Kenyetta (Ken) Hunt, founder of Bluefield’s inaugural Juneteenth celebration in 2021. Hunt was known for his deep love of the community and dedication to preserving African American culture in Mercer County. Scholarship applications are open through June 15, 2025.
For more details or to get involved in the celebration, contact Co-Chair Dr. Deirdre Guyton at 304-952-8288 or email juneteenthcmcwv@gmail.com.
