Georgia Church Hosts Juneteenth Unity Celebration

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Newnan turned Saturday night into a powerful celebration of freedom, education, and unity that reminded attendees why history matters today.

The evening began with a mocktail hour featuring interactive educational displays throughout the venue. Attendees explored 160 years of change through exhibits that didn't shy away from difficult truths while celebrating incredible progress.

One display revealed the reality of voter suppression through actual literacy tests given to African Americans. Questions like "How many jellybeans are in the jar?" and "How many seeds are in a watermelon?" showed the impossible barriers designed to prevent voting rights.

Another booth honored local heroes often forgotten by history books. Three Newnan residents served in World War I among more than 300,000 African American soldiers: Second Lieutenant Lightfoot H. Reese, Second Lieutenant Robert S. Reid, and Private Don Ellis of the 365th Infantry.

Artwork and music displays traced the cultural significance of June 19th, the day enslaved people in Texas finally learned of their freedom two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation.

The celebration moved into the sanctuary where Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have A Dream" speech opened the ceremony. A choir performed songs including "Stand Up" from the film "Harriet," filling the space with hope and remembrance.

The Ripple Effect

Guest speakers Bishop John S. Battle III and Ted Cottrell, who reached the NBA and NFL respectively, shared how equal opportunity changed their lives. Battle used basketball's opening jump ball as a metaphor for what's possible when everyone gets a fair chance.

"I believe that the greatest gift that God created on earth and gave to humanity is called a gift of an equal opportunity," Battle told the crowd. His message resonated: when the game starts, both teams have the same shot at winning.

The event brought together community members across backgrounds to learn, reflect, and celebrate together. Stake President Jordan Jewkes closed the evening with fellowship and prayer, reminding everyone that understanding history strengthens unity.

This celebration showed how communities can honor difficult histories while focusing on progress and shared values.