Juneteenth celebrated in Poplar Bluff

Saturday, June 27, 2020

DAR/Michelle Friedrich

The African American community in Poplar Bluff gathered Saturday afternoon to celebrate Juneteenth with food, activities and fireworks.

Christopher Mortero (right) and Reuben Navarro bow their heads in prayer during Saturday's Juneteenth celebration at Wheatley School. (DAR/Michelle Friedrich)
George Nelson prepares the grill to roast hotdogs for Saturday’s Juneteenth celebration. (DAR/Michelle Friedrich)
Three-year-old Kingston McCain (center) and his brother, Kendric McCain, 4, play in the bounce house Saturday afternoon at Wheatley School. (DAR/Michelle Friedrich)
Poplar Bluff Police Chief Danny Whiteley (center) and Lt. Joe Ward (second from left) visit with members of the African American community during Saturday's Juneteenth celebration. (DAR/Michelle Friedrich)

Sandra Taylor listens to the music under the pavilion at Wheatley Park during Saturday's Juneteenth celebration. (DAR/Michelle Friedrich)
Aalisha Baker (left) paints a rainbow on her sister, Zarria Baker's arm. (DAR/Michelle Friedrich)
Whitney Turner prepares to make more popcorn during Saturday's Juneteenth event at Wheatley School. (DAR/Michelle Friedrich)
Darrell Nelson sings "Jesus is Love" on Saturday at Wheatley School. (DAR/Michelle Friedrich)
Natasha Clay films and Colvin McDonald keeps his hand over his heart as Darrell Nelson sings "Lift Every Voice." (DAR/Michelle Friedrich)