Juneteenth in the Pass
Established in 2022, Juneteenth is a vibrant annual celebration held in the heart of Pass Christian, Mississippi. This community event brings people together through food, music, and fellowship, while also honoring the legacy of freedom and resilience. We proudly recognize and pay homage to our local Pass Christian heroes – past and present – whose contributions have made an impact, and continue to shape our City’s unique spirit.
The festivities include a special “If Not You, Then Who” Celebration Brunch to honor local changemakers, followed by a vibrant Day Party featuring live music, food, fellowship, and community spirit. The mission of this event is to enlighten, uplift, and unite the community while honoring the history and cultural significance of Juneteenth.
As part of our commitment to the future, we also award scholarships to deserving students of Pass Christian High School, investing in the next generation of leaders.
This year’s celebration takes place on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at the West Harrison County Civic Center on Espy Avenue in Pass Christian. The day begins with a Celebration Brunch at 10:00 AM, where outstanding community members will be honored. Tickets for the brunch are $35 and include a delicious meal and inspirational program. The celebration continues with a lively Day Party featuring the Unfazed Show and Band, bringing music, fellowship, and fun to cap off this powerful community event.
Join us for this year’s Juneteenth Celebration as we celebrate culture, community, resilience, tenacity, and the power of unity.
June 14, 2025
10aM-1pm
West Harrison Civic Center
Attend
Join us for a day of celebration, music, food, and community as we honor the meaning of Juneteenth in Pass Christian.
Support
Help us make this event possible through sponsorships, donations, or in-kind contributions—every gift makes an impact.
Get Involved
Volunteer your time, lend your talents, or sign up as a vendor to be an active part of this community celebration.
THANKS TO OUR SUPPORTERS
Freedom Level
Unity Level
Hancock Whitney
People’s Bank
Harrison County Board of Supervisors
Mississippi Gulf Coast Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Equality Level
Krewe of Barbine
R & K Trucking
L & M Family Affair Laundromats
John W. Dedeaux
Integrity Level
Our History
Juneteenth, short for “June Nineteenth,” marks the day in 1865 when the last enslaved African Americans in the United States were finally freed—more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued by President Abraham Lincoln. On that day, Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced that all enslaved people were officially free, effectively enforcing the proclamation in one of the most remote parts of the former Confederacy.
Though slavery had been legally abolished in 1863, lack of Union presence in Texas meant the law had not been enforced there. Juneteenth became a powerful symbol of delayed justice and hard-won freedom, and over time, it grew into an annual celebration of African American culture, resilience, and progress. Traditionally marked by parades, storytelling, music, food, and community gatherings, Juneteenth serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for equality and the importance of remembrance.
In 2021, Juneteenth was officially recognized as a federal holiday in the United States. Today, it stands not only as a commemoration of emancipation but also as a call to reflect on the past, celebrate progress, and work toward a more just and unified future.
Our Team
Our Juneteenth in The Pass celebration is made possible by a dedicated team of volunteers and community leaders who are passionate about honoring history, uplifting voices, and bringing people together. From planning and logistics to outreach and event coordination, this committed group works year-round to create a meaningful and memorable experience for all.
2025 Board Members
Kimberly Joseph, Chairperson
John W. Dedeaux, Treasurer
Leslie Zanders, Marketing/Graphic Designer
Karen Isabelle, Secretary
Sonya Ashley
Latasha Bryant
John “Jake” Cook
Karen Johnson
Tim Brown
Get Involved
Join us in support of our efforts to bridge unity, education and cultural differences by becoming a sponsor of Juneteenth in The Pass. Since 2022, our annual event has brought families and community together to celebrate freedom, honor local heroes and invest in the future of our youth through scholarships for deserving Pass Christian High School students who are eager to plot their paths and to make a difference.
Sponsorship Levels include:
- Freedom Partner – $1,000+
- Unity Level – $700
- Integrity Level – $500
- Equality Level – $250
- Community Supporter – $250
- Friend of Juneteenth – $100
Ready to support? Download our sponsorship packet or contact us directly to learn how your partnership can make an impact.
