City of Laurens Celebrates Juneteenth

Juneteenth celebrations in Laurens kicked off on Friday with the City of Laurens honoring the legacy of Mr. C.D. and Mrs. Lucinda Beasley by designating South Harper Street Extension as “C.D. And Lucinda Beasley Memorial Highway.”

“It was my pleasure, along with two other well-respected local attorneys, Gary Williams, and Tom Thompson, to deliver a few remarks to mark this special occasion,” said Mayor Nathan Senn. “We all gathered to celebrate this special occasion with members of the Beasley family who are working to carry on Mr. and Mrs. Beasley’s impressive legacy. What a great event to kick off the City’s first Juneteenth celebrations!”

They were joined by a large group of friends, community members, and present and former public officials from across the county including Senator Verdin, Chairman Patterson, Laurens City and County Councilors, and Former Laurens Mayor Bob Dominick.

The festivities continued Saturday with a festival like atmosphere on the Public Square in Laurens.  The festival celebrating freedom for every American was the city’s first Juneteenth festival.

“Since this is our newest Federal holiday, the question was not if we would celebrate Juneteenth, but how.  We had a great planning committee that worked together to bring in local craft and food vendors, musicians, and speakers,” said Mayor Senn. “One thing that I am especially proud of is the fact that we focused on the connection between this holiday and our nation’s Constitution, and the freedom it protects for every American.  And that should be something that every American can appreciate and celebrate.”