Cookout highlights love and fellowship

The Juneteenth cookout at Pacific Park was a hit Saturday, as the festivities drew in the largest crowd since before the beginning of of the pandemic in 2019.

“We haven’t had many people show up the last few years,” said Sulphur Springs resident C.D. Dial. Luckily, 2022 brought in a new year for the long-standing tradition at the park in Sulphur Springs; a cookout, parade, music and day-long celebration. Dial attended the event with 25 plus family members, enjoying the outdoor activities and the fellowship of friends.

Although the temperatures were soaring in the 90s, many families showed up to celebrate Juneteenth. Guests were welcomed by Kerry Wright, Deacon of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church.

“We have accomplished many great things and we will continue to accomplish many more great things,” he said before sharing a blessing of the food. He offered a parting message valuable to all community members of Sulphur Springs, “what are you doing right now for the next generation?” Encouraging everyone to stay motivated and grateful of family and friends, the Juneteenth cookout provided a sense of community and positivity all day long.

Shanie Barnes and Paige Baker, mother and daughter duo of DeSoto showed up with bright yellow t-shirts, depicting a silhouette of Africa with a big yellow heart in the middle. “It just represents love,” said Barnes.

Always a shining message at the event, love was shared in abundance as children ran around soaking wet in swim trunks with runny face paint of images of Africa in red, green and yellow. The word “king” written under a crown on one boy’s face was one of the best.

The black community of Sulphur Springs not only commemorated June 19, 1865, the day slaves were proclaimed ‘free,’ but also African American culture, heritage and with out a doubt, the most beautiful quality of the black community, the ‘vibe.’

With a love of family, community, friends, their children and an even greater love for spirituality, the ‘vibe’ is an effervescent staple in the black community that is irreplaceable. With all the peace and love, the city of Sulphur Springs shined a little brighter on Saturday.

In addition to the joy felt all around, there was more style to match during the Juneteenth parade. In a caravan of gorgeous cars, participants drove through the neighborhoods of east Sulphur Springs in Monte Carlos, Dodge Chargers, Jeeps, custom ATVs and an original 1927 Model-T Ford. The Model-T, owned by Patrick Rudy Ellis, a long-time car collector and resident of Sulphur Springs was a special highlight.

Another highlight of the celebration and rightly deserved, Sylvester Alexander was recognized by the Juneteenth Committee for her 53 years in service as a Sulphur Springs ISD school teacher.

Alexander, originally beginning her career in Home Economics at Winnsboro for a year of student teaching, transferred to Sulphur Springs ISD to teach kindergarten through fifth grade. Earning a Master’s in Elementary Teaching, she continues to do what she loves most, help children learn and grow.

“I expect you to do your very best,” said Alexander to the students looking on during her short speech. She was awarded a plaque, gift basket and homemade sign made by some of her students. “She worked continuously for our kids,” said Candy Johnson, head of the Juneteenth Committee.

Truly a role model for children and the community of Sulphur Springs, Alexander stated she is going to continue teaching as long as she can. “I do love my babies,” she stated, “they know I love them.”

Hopkins County has recognized Juneteenth for as long as it has been around, but this year marks the 13th year for the Juneteenth Committee. Bringing in more activities, vendors, food and sponsors, the committee has worked to not only add to the celebration, but to make a name for the event in the community.

The founder of the committee, Prince Beacham passed away two years ago, but the members honor his name. Head of the Juneteenth Committee, Candy Johnson stated, “we still come together as a committee on his birthday and the day of his passing in his memory.”

As the day went on, Robert Neal, DJ of the event offered the crowd tunes from different genres like soul, funk, R&B and hip-hop. Business owner of “Designer Imports and More,” Rona Taylor provided fruit-filled pineapple drinks topped with umbrellas and a sweet punch, perfect for cooling off the guests on a hot summer day. Other vendors such as “Style Me Kocky” and “Vera Mae Eye Candy Waist Beads and More,” sold clothes and accessories.

Sponsors included Grocery Supply Company, Ocean Spray, Saputo, Walmart, EMC-Hopkins County, Guys and Gals, Braum’s, Air Park, Green Leaf, including many personal donations made by community members such as Bridgette Cooper, Elvira Dial, Jermaine Cooper and Steven Pruitt.