Juneteenth Rhythms of Resilience — Festive March & Cookout 2025

Join us for a powerful and joyful celebration of freedom, movement, and unity. Juneteenth Rhythms of Resilience is more than a march—it’s a tribute to the enduring strength of Black communities in Northwest Arkansas.

Event Overview

Date: Sunday, June 22, 2025
Time: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Starting Location: North Willow Ave & East Spring St, Fayetteville, AR
Ending Location: Walker Park (Large Pavilion), South College Ave & 15th St
Admission: Free and open to all

What to Expect

A festive march led by The Cummings Group and members of the University of Arkansas Pine Bluff Marching Band
Open-air art installations featuring Black history and contemporary excellence
Live music, dancing, and biking through Fayetteville’s historic Black community
A community cookout catered by Chef Nate Walls at Walker Park
Special remarks from Fayetteville Mayor Molly Rawn
An atmosphere of joy, history, and healing

Route Map

We begin at North Willow Ave & East Spring Street, proceed 0.7 miles south on N. Willow
turn right onto East 7th Street for 0.1 miles
turn left on South College Avenue for 0.4 miles
and conclude at the Large Pavilion in Walker Park

Schedule

1:30 pm: Line up on N. Willow Ave. starting at E. Spring St.
2:00 pm: Begin marching South down N. Willow to 7th St. to S. College Ave to the Walker Park Large Pavilion
2:45 pm to 3 pm: Arrive at Walker Park near 15th St. to enjoy a free community cookout
3:45 pm: Mayor Molly Rawn will share remarks

Parking

St. James United Methodist Church 7 N. Willow Ave
Squire Jehegan Outreach Center 115 S Willow Ave
Do not park on Willow Ave. Use Side Streets.
Plan a carpool leaving one vehicle at Walker Park near 15th and then driving a group of people to N. Willow Ave

Why Juneteenth?

As NWABH board president Sharon Killian shares,

“Juneteenth is a time to reflect, rejoice, and recommit to the ongoing journey toward justice and equity. Through movement, music, art, and food, we’re celebrating not just freedom, but the beauty and resilience of our community.”