Project REACH from Black River Technical College hosted an event at the William Looney Tavern on Friday evening, June 17, to kick off the annual Juneteenth celebration.
For Juneteenth, the William Looney Tavern site was the location for an evening meal, a brief lecture given by Cindy Robinett about the families who lived there in the 19th Century–specifically the African Americans who stayed following emancipation through the early 20th Century. Lastly, the audience of over 100 listened to an a Capella concert of old hymns and songs put on by the St. Louis Metro Singers.
The Eddie Mae Herron Museum and Center would like to thank the community for making this event a great success. Specifically, they would like to thank BRTC and Project REACH, including Jessica Bailey, Ronnie and Sonya Walker, Amy Bounds, Cindy Robinett, Will Walker, Allen and Priscilla Stillwell, and Don Upshaw. Special thanks to the BRTC Foundation and the SEAS fund for bringing the St. Louis Metro Singers. Thanks to everyone who cooked and brought food for Friday evening’s event, and a thank you to Jack and Christina French for their generosity for donating the William Looney Tavern property for restoration and preservation so that the historic site could be enjoyed by all.
Located near Dalton, the William Looney Tavern has been restored and is open for educational activities and tours. Contact BRTC’s Jessica Bailey for more information (870)248-4189.
To view photos from the event go HERE.