By T. Scott Boatright
GRAMBLING — Grambling continued its Juneteenth festivities over the weekend with a fishing tournament and car show.
Juneteenth commemorates the effective end of slavery in the United States. Juneteenth (short for “June 19th”) marks the day when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, in 1865 to take control of the state and ensure that all enslaved people were freed.
“It’s been a great morning,” Grambling Mayor Alvin Bradley said early Saturday afternoon as the fishing tournament results were being tabulated. “The weather has been good because it’s been a little overcast with a nice breeze. It’s starting to heat up now in the afternoon, but it was a good morning for those who came out to the car show and to the fishing tournament.
“I appreciate everyone who came out today and helped us celebrate, and don’t forget the celebration will continue on Wednesday with a big day coming up on Thursday — June 19, which of course is the actual Juneteenth day, although our celebration is way too big for only one day.”
The fishing tournament came to an ounce to determine, as Keith Johnson’s 4.10-pound catfish edged the second-place winner John Williams, who hauled in a 4.0-pounder.
Jamie Williams captured the third-place prize for largest catfish with a 3.14 pounder.
Fannie Willis won the first-place bream category by being the only angler to catch a fish of that species, hauling in three that totaled a combined 8 ounces.
There were no bash or trash fish caught during this year’s tournament, so those prizes went unclaimed.
Grambling’s 2025 Juneteenth Festivities will continue at 6 p.m. today with a Line Dance in the Community Room at City Hall.
A Juneteenth Bible Study will be held at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday at Christ Temple Baptist leading into Juneteenth itself on Thursday..
That day begins with a Health Fair at 10:30 a.m. at Grambling City Hall. The annual Juneteenth Parade will run starting at 10 a.m. that day followed by the annual Bake-Off at 11 a.m. at Lewis Temple.
More information about Grambling’s Juneteenth Celebration can be found online at the following link:
Schedule of Events – Grambling Juneteenth Heritage Festival
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