LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (June 16, 2012) - Mosaic Templars Cultural Center, a museum of the Department of Arkansas Heritage, will host its annual Juneteenth celebration Saturday, June 16th from 12 - 7 p.m.

The FREE celebratory event will take place on the corner of 9th Street and Broadway outside Mosaic Templars Cultural Center (501 West Ninth Street, Little Rock).

Celebrated on June 19, the term Juneteenth is a portmanteau of June and nineteenth, and is recognized as a state holiday in 41 states, including Arkansas.  Juneteenth is a holiday honoring African American heritage by commemorating the announcement of the abolition of slavery in the U.S. State of Texas in 1865. 

Activities for this year's Juneteenth celebration will take place both inside and outside the museum. City officials and key community leaders have been invited to attend and share comments during the event. 

"This is truly a time for celebration," sats Quantia Fletcher, Assistant Director of Mosaic Templars Cultural Center. "This year, we've expanded our activities and partnerships to make Juneteenth a true community celebration. This is a 'don't miss' event."

The festivities will include a rock climbing wall, vendor giveaways, a fun zone for kids, live performances by Nicky Parrish, Billy Jones Bluez, Gloryland Pastor's Choir and more. 

The Mosaic Templars Cultural Center, a museum of the Department of Arkansas Heritage, is dedicated to telling the history of African Americans in Arkansas from 1870 to the present, especially in the areas of politics, business and the arts. Other agencies of the Department of Arkansas Heritage include Arkansas Arts Council, Arkansas Historic Preservation, Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission, Delta Cultural Center, Historic Arkansas Museum and Old State House Museum.

For more information about Mosaic Templars Cultural Center or about the Juneteenth celebration, call 501.683.3593 or visit mosaictemplarscenter.com.

(Source: Mosaic Templars Cultural Center)