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From left to right: Jeremiah Houston (grey), Ky Shell (blue), Brennen Conrad (white), and Ezekiel Hackett (red) participate in the sack race (Bradford Perkins | The Natchez Democrat)

The Byrd Family, from left to right Naomi, Timothy, Joshua, and Clara watch a documentary on the history of Juneteenth(Bradford Perkins | The Natchez Democrat)

Ezekiel Hackett plays volleyball with his younger brother Ezra (Bradford Perkins | The Natchez Democrat)

Breyanna Conrad, Mitzi Terry, Sanai Buckner, Tamara Buckner, and Deborah McNeal work on some arts and crafts projects(Bradford Perkins | The Natchez Democrat)

Naomi Byrd stands with her jewelry bead display(Bradford Perkins | The Natchez Democrat)

Skylar King paints the hand of Jeremiah Houston(Bradford Perkins | The Natchez Democrat)

Brennan Conrad enjoys some fun on the slip and slide. (Bradford Perkins | The Natchez Democrat)

NATCHEZ — Approximately 45 people joined in Juneteenth activities throughout the day Thursday at the Frazier Extended Education and Cultural Enrichment Center.

Each one left invigorated by a day of fun and fellowship, organizer Bettye Bell said.

Activities included a short documentary on the history of Juneteenth as well as a space jump, volleyball, potato sack races, face paint and more.

It was a good turnout for the Frazier Center’s first ever Juneteenth event, Bell said.

“If it weren’t for Rev. (John) Scott and Christian Hope Baptist Church and their support, we would not have been able to put this event on,” Bell said, thanking the church for their support as well as the volunteers for their hard work.

For almost a year, Bell and the non-profit center have worked to bring new life to the former primary school at George F. West Sr. Boulevard with summer camps, and activities as well as offering support for students in intervention programs in the school district.

Nine students participated in summer activities offered thus far, growing from only three when the programs first started, Bell said.

“I’m hoping to eventually have a more stable relationship with schools and promote what we have here,” Bell said. “The Biggest hurdle we have is recruiting young people. It takes a lot of resources — both physical and the manpower —to do this.”

Getting the community involved in supporting the program, whether financial or otherwise, has also been a challenge, Bell said. 

“There are those who support you no matter what, but we have so many talented people in the community who don’t,” she said. “There are a lot who complain that we don’t have anything for young people in the community but then don’t come or don’t do anything about it.”

But regardless, “I will not be deterred,” Bell said.

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