Will Haney Concordia Juneteenth Celebration

In the heart of the Louisiana's Delta region, Concordia Parish has seen some of America's darkest and most complicated historical chapters play out. Here, June 19, 1865—when enslaved people were officially freed by the Emancipation Proclamation—represented the dawn of an entirely new era for many. To celebrate Juneteenth, Concordia Parish will celebrate in the spirit of the historic Haney's Big House—a venue on the Chitlin Circuit that hosted some of America's most important musicians, including B.B. King, Ray Charles, Little Milton, and Irma Thomas. For two days, people of all backgrounds are invited to join a celebration of Black freedom and achievement with performances by musicians performing historically-Black genres like zydeco, blues, hip-hop, and gospel. Special events include a welcome reception at the Delta Theatre at 6 pm on June 14 celebrating Black excellence of the 1990s, a "Parade of Legends" at 6 pm on E.E. Wallace Boulevard in Ferriday, a "Battle of the DJ" Block Party on June 15th, and a Music & Blues Concert on the riverfront on June 16. Details at louisianajuneteenth.com.