By: Lena Wilson Claybon & Joice M. Dunn
The Grambling Juneteenth Heritage Festival featured a large-scale, two-week celebration, which culminated in the highly anticipated Grambling High School / Lincoln Prep All-School Reunion, June 12-June 21, 2026.
Attendees came from far and near as over 1100 people poured into our little town to celebrate and reconnect!
The festival kicked off at the City Hall on June 12. Narrating the event was Jeffery Sims, a Juneteenth committee member.
“The Grambling Juneteenth Celebration is a community-wide event dedicated to commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans while honoring the rich history, culture, and achievements of the African American community,” Sims explained.
The program opened with an invocation by Rev. Julius Sumler and continued with a welcome from Mayor Alvin Bradley. Giving a brief history of the holiday, Bradley said, “On June 19, 1865, Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced the emancipation of all enslaved people -more than two and a half years after President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation – marking the effective end of slavery in the United States.”
Sims reminded the crowd that the event was hosted by the Grambling Juneteenth Committee in partnership with the City of Grambling. This annual celebration brings together residents, alumni, students, families, and visitors for a week of educational, cultural, spiritual, and recreational activities.
A proclamation was jointly read by Councilman Jerry Lewis and those present. Cathy Holmes-Giles, councilwoman and Juneteenth committee chair, gave the audience a sample of a hidden singing talent.
Aubrey Champion, Miss Juneteenth of 2025, welcomed the group to the opening and all the scheduled events. She said, “Serving has your queen has been taught me to use my voice. Thank you for the privilege.”
Committee members Giles and Sims encouraged the group to attend and enjoy all the events. The celebration featured a variety of activities, including a pageant, fishing tournament, poetry showcase, Bible study, health and wellness fair, 4K/5K run-walk, parade, community line dance, gospel activities, and the Annual Juneteenth Gala.
Through fellowship, entertainment, and reflection, the Grambling Juneteenth Celebration promotes unity, preserves cultural heritage, and inspires future generations to continue the legacy of freedom, resilience, and community empowerment.