Despite summer heat and an early rain shower, community members gathered on Martin Luther King Drive for Minden’s annual Juneteenth Celebration, enjoying an evening of music, food, fellowship, and reflection on the meaning of freedom.
Families filled the event grounds throughout the evening, visiting vendors, enjoying food from local food trucks, and seeking relief from the heat with snow cones, which were a popular purchase for children attending the celebration.
Organizer Michael Walker welcomed attendees and reminded them of the deeper significance behind the holiday.
“We’re coming together to celebrate and to have a good time, eat good food, do good line dancing, but the real reason we are here, the real reason behind Juneteenth is that so many people bled and died so we can have freedom,” Walker said. “Sometimes we take it for granted.”
Walker also encouraged attendees to visit the educational display presented by Gloria Moody, who shared books, historical information, and exhibits highlighting the history of Juneteenth.
Minden Mayor Nick Cox read a proclamation declaring Juneteenth in the City of Minden and recognizing the importance of the holiday and its legacy.
Entertainment throughout the evening included a musical performance by , whose vocals drew praise from attendees and organizers alike.
Miss Juneteenth 2025 Zoey Phenix presented an essay and original poem commemorating the holiday. In her remarks, she reflected on the enduring meaning of freedom and community.
“Juneteenth reminds us that freedom is a song meant to be sung out loud, a joy to be shared, and a legacy we will proudly carry forward today,” Phenix said.
The public is invited to continue the celebration by attending the coronation of the 2026 Miss Juneteenth, scheduled for June 27 at 7 PM at Webster Junior High School.
Following the event, Walker expressed gratitude to those who helped make the celebration successful.
“The Minden community showed up and showed out in a good way,” Walker said. “Everything and everyone was great.”
He thanked the Juneteenth committee, vendors, elected officials, the Minden Police Department, Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office, and Minden Fire Department for their support. He also recognized DJ Ron for providing music throughout the evening and Newman for her performance.
“After the rain left, people came out,” Walker said. “This could not have been possible without all the support from the people of Minden, Louisiana. I love it when we come together.”
The annual celebration once again brought residents together to honor the history of Juneteenth while celebrating community, culture, and the freedoms commemorated by the holiday.
