JUNETEENTH IN DA ROCK Honoring Heritage, Empowering the Future on Historic 9th Street

LITTLE ROCK, AR — On June 21, 2025, from 7AM to 7PM, the heartbeat of Arkansas pulsed with renewed pride as Juneteenth in Da Rock transformed historic West 9th Street into a vibrant celebration of freedom, resilience, and cultural excellence.

Headlined by soulful crooner October London and Grammy Award-winning artist Elle Varner as co-liner, the duo closed out the day-long, family-friendly festival with their signature sounds. The event became much more than a celebration—it was a powerful homecoming of heritage and a reclaiming of sacred ground.

A Historic Street With a Story

West 9th Street—once known as the “Little Harlem of the South” and widely regarded as the Black Wall Street of Little Rock—was the cultural and economic soul of Black life in Arkansas’s capital. It was home to prosperous Black-owned businesses, the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center, churches, social clubs, schools, barbershops, and the legendary Dreamland Ballroom, where musical icons like Duke Ellington and B.B. King once played.

But the brilliance of this district was not left untouched.

In the mid-20th century, under the guise of “urban renewal,” government officials approved the construction of Interstate 630—a highway that cut directly through the heart of Little Rock’s thriving Black neighborhood. The decision destroyed homes, displaced families, dismantled businesses, and severed the community’s economic lifeline. As seen in countless cities across America, this was not accidental—it was targeted. The placement of that highway served as a direct blow to Black progress, culture, and legacy.

Yet, despite these attempts at erasure, the spirit of 9th Street never died. And this Juneteenth, it came roaring back to life.

Honoring the Legacy of the Little Rock Nine

Adding emotional weight to the festival was its location—just miles from Central High School, the site of one of the most significant battles in America’s civil rights movement.

In 1957, nine African-American students made history by enrolling at the previously all-white Central High, challenging racial segregation in public education.

The names of the Little Rock Nine are:

Ernest Green, Elizabeth Eckford, Jefferson Thomas, Terrence Roberts, Carlotta Walls, Minnijean Brown, Gloria Ray, Thelma Mothershed, and Melba Pattillo.

Their bravery under threat and federal protection captured the attention of the nation. They did not just walk into a school—they walked into history. Their resistance, courage, and dignity are woven into the same fabric as Juneteenth itself: a fabric made of struggle, liberation, and unwavering hope.

Culture, Wellness, and Unity

Juneteenth in Da Rock was more than a commemoration—it was an experience.

Local artists and entertainers lit up the stage with performances from Akeen Kemp, Bijoux, G-Pace, King Honey, and the Otter Creek Youth Choir. DJs like NickHud kept the crowd moving, while cultural dance performances and live bands amplified the energy from morning until evening.

Festival highlights included:

• 5K Freedom Run/Walk

• Kids Zone & Family Activities

• Outdoor Vendor Market & Food Truck Court

• Health & Wellness Village

• Indoor Cultural Exhibits at the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center

• 100+ Vendors Showcasing Black Excellence

Local talents like Paula Adam Rogers, Robyne Lauren’s Classy Crocs, and Yaba-Yaba’s Senegalese crafts brought their unique flavor and heritage to the community. The entire street felt like an open-air museum of Black culture—alive, thriving, and undeniable.

Why Juneteenth Matters—Especially Here

Juneteenth marks June 19, 1865, the day when enslaved people in Texas were finally informed of their freedom—over two years after the Emancipation Proclamation had been signed. It is a day that reminds us that justice delayed is still injustice—and that freedom is never given, it is claimed.

For Little Rock, a city that has seen the highs and lows of the civil rights journey, celebrating Juneteenth on 9th Street brought that history full circle. It was both a tribute and a rallying cry.

A Living Movement

Juneteenth in Da Rock is more than a moment—it is a movement.

With support from the Arkansas Department of Heritage, the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center, and leadership from BK Simmons, CEO of SimmCo and project manager of the event, the festival stood as a beacon of empowerment, remembrance, and vision.

As the sun dipped behind the skyline and Elle Varner’s powerful vocals filled the air as co-liner, October London brought the evening to a soulful crescendo as the headliner. The crowd didn’t just watch a show—they witnessed history. Children danced in the streets. Elders stood with pride. Generations gathered in unity. The air buzzed with energy, purpose, and power.

Final Reflection

This event was not simply a celebration—it was a declaration.

In today’s world—where historical truths are challenged and culture is often commercialized—we must stay rooted.

As a culture, we cannot afford to lose our history.

The more we stay educated, the more we can elevate.

The more we remember, the stronger we can rebuild.

Juneteenth in Da Rock was not just an event. It was a living reminder that Black history is American history—and that freedom is a story still being written. One community. One street. One generation at a time.

Location: West 9th Street, Little Rock, AR

Date: June 21, 2025 | 7AM–7PM

Website: JuneteenthLittleRock.com

#JuneteenthInDaRock #BlackExcellence #LittleRockNine #9thStreetLegacy #NeverForget #FreedomContinues #BossXLMagazine

Photo Credits: Shemariah Pradia, BK Simmons, Anthony Moore III