United for Juneteenth: Honoring History, Building Community

Book displays at the 2024 Sikeston Juneteenth Festival highlighted Black history and culture.

Juneteenth in Sikeston is more than a celebration — it reflects Lincoln University of Missouri’s (LU) ongoing commitment to education, outreach and community engagement. As a key collaborator in the annual festival, the LU Cooperative Extension (LUCE) Sikeston Impact Center helps connect community members through programs supporting youth development, family wellness and leadership. The Juneteenth Festival builds on these efforts — bringing people together to honor history, celebrate culture and strengthen community ties.

“It’s a weekend of unity, community, food, fun and fellowship,” says Brenda Robinson-Echols, LUCE regional coordinator in southeast Missouri and Juneteenth planning committee member. “This celebration is all about coming together, learning and having an unforgettable time.”

Flyer for the 2025 Sikeston Juneteenth Celebration, held June 19–21, at the Miner Convention Center and Lincoln Park.

Robinson-Echols is quick to point out that the Juneteenth Festival found its footing thanks to the vision of Taneshia Pulley-Simmons, a graduate of Lincoln University. Pulley-Simmons now works as a fifth-grade counselor at Sikeston Middle School and maintains an active role with LU.

“She really helped bring this to life,” Robinson-Echols says. “Her connection to Lincoln and the community helped make it what it is today.”

The idea for the festival began with Pulley-Simmons, who was inspired by Juneteenth events she attended while a student at LU. After learning more about the holiday’s history and significance, she recognized the need for a celebration in her hometown and helped shape what is now a multi-day community event in Sikeston.

Attendees enjoy an elegant evening at the 2024 Black Excellence Ball, part of Sikeston’s Juneteenth Festival.

“I think it’s important because you’re highlighting a part of history that often isn’t told,” Pulley-Simmons says. “It’s about educating people — helping them understand why Juneteenth matters and why we celebrate. It shows how far we’ve come as a country, and the areas where we still have work to do.”

This year’s Juneteenth Festival, held June 19–21, is a collaborative effort between Lincoln University Cooperative Extension and Youth Empowerment 573, a local nonprofit founded by Pulley-Simmons to support and inspire youth. The three-day event begins with the Black Excellence Ball, a formal Harlem Nights-themed celebration featuring dinner, music and dancing. The following day, activities include a community parade with LU summer camp participants, basketball clinics, youth games, educational exhibits and live musical performances.

A young attendee enjoys the 2024 Sikeston Juneteenth Festival with family and friends during a day full of fun, learning and community spirit.

In addition to celebrating culture and history, the festival also supports local youth through a scholarship fundraiser. Juneteenth-themed T-shirts will be sold throughout the event, with proceeds aimed at raising $4,000 to award four $1,000 scholarships to high school students. All funds go to students who are actively enrolled in college, reinforcing the festival’s commitment to education and long-term impact.

With each passing year, the Juneteenth Festival strengthens its role as a collaborative effort to educate, celebrate and empower. Through the combined efforts of Lincoln University Cooperative Extension, Youth Empowerment 573 and local partners, the celebration continues to honor the past while investing in the future.