Moss Point prepares for Juneteenth celebration

The City of Moss Point is getting ready to host its largest Juneteenth celebration yet on Saturday.

Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of all slaves in America. While Juneteenth officially falls on a Friday, this year Moss Point will recognize the occasion on Saturday with a unity march followed by a celebration of black culture in front of city hall and the downtown area.

Mayor Mario King hopes this celebration can help people better understand the Black Lives Matter movement. “I think a lot of times, people are not really focused or really don’t understand the concept and really don’t try to understand. So, our goal is to make sure they understand it. My goal is to make sure they understand it and to make sure they really, really are a part of this movement that you’re seeing across the country.”

Line up for the march begins at 2 p.m. in front of First Baptist Church with the official celebration beginning at 3.

There will also be a protection equipment giveaway from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and antibody testing from noon to 4 p.m. as part of the festivities.