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Richland_clinch_valley
Tazewell ceremony honors Juneteenth contributors
Jim Talbert
A Tazewell County native who played a significant role in getting Juneteenth recognized as a holiday was remembered at the town of Tazewell’s eighth annual Juneteenth celebration.
The Rev. C. Anderson Davis, who was born in Pocahontas and pastored John Stuart Methodist Church in Bluefield, West Virginia, played a key role in Juneteenth becoming a holiday.Â
“Many of you have heard of the great service he rendered in the service of civil rights.
Davis drafted the original Juneteenth proclamation that was used in 1979 by Representative Al Edwards to sponsor the bill to make June 19 a state holiday in Texas," the Rev. Michael Bratton said.
He said Davis is often called the grandfather of Juneteenth.
“We are thankful today that it finally came to light that one of our fellow Tazewell Countians played a great part in Juneteenth coming to fruition," Bratton said.
Opal Lee of Texas is known as the grandmother of Juneteenth, spearheading the effort to get it declared a federal holiday, which happened in June 2021. Virginia declared a holiday for Juneteenth in 2020.
The gathering on Tazewell’s Main Street also honored local elders and grand marshals of the black community. Jackie Cecil, Barbara Williamson Hall, Sam Watkins, Marevelene Simon and Gaynell Adams were recognized for their contributions.
Southern District Supervisor John Rhudy read a proclamation from the Town of Tazewell declaring June 19 is recognized as Juneteenth. That proclamation stated that while the Emancipation Proclamation was issued Jan. 1, 1863, slavery did not end in the Commonwealth of Virginia until 1873.
June 19, 1865, two and a half years after the emancipation proclamation was signed, was when slaves in Texas learned they had been freed. The ceremony included music, poetry and scripture reading.
Dr. Darren Martin, a Bluefield Virginia native, now president of Bluefield State University served as keynote speaker. Following the ceremony, the crowd marched to the Carline community where a day of celebration continued.
VCEDA Executive Director/General Counsel Jonathan Belcher,
second from left, provides an update on VCEDA activity since the
last board meeting. Also pictured, from left, are VCEDA board
members Brian Hess, Greg Edwards and Andy Hrovatic.
Page A1
Jim Talbert
VCEDA Executive Director/General Counsel Jonathan Belcher,
second from left, provides an update on VCEDA activity since the
last board meeting. Also pictured, from left, are VCEDA board
members Brian Hess, Greg Edwards and Andy Hrovatic.
Jim Talbert
Gage Hylton.
Page A1
Jim Talbert
Gage Hylton.
Richland_clinch_valley
Field set for town elections
Jim Talbert
The lineup is set for both the Aug. 4 primaries and the November general election in Tazewell County.
There are 20combined openings for council seats and mayor in the five towns and as of June 16, seven pm deadline for filing every town has a full ballot.
Bluefield does not have a mayor’s race but there are council seats up for grabs. Karen Rich, Kathi Payne and Anglis Trigg are the only people who have filed for the three seats.
Ben Gibson has filed for Mayor in Pocahontas and Karen Lafon, Ted Sluss Nadja Brodesser, and A Brad Belcher are on the ballot for council. Tazewell has three open council seats in the regular election and a special election for a two-year term to fill Joe Beasley’s spot.
 Renee Adair, Carrie Moore, Billy Jeffers, and Glen Keen are seeking the full terms of council and Beth Takach is the only candidate for Beasley’s old seat. Beasley is officially seeking the mayor’s post. Cedar Bluff does not have a mayor’s race but there are three council seats up for grabs.
Kenny Shepard, Travis Bender, and Joe Blair McGlothlin are on the ballot. Richlands is the only town with a contested race so far.  While Rod Cury is the only candidate for mayor there are five people qualified for three council seats.
Rick Wood, Laura Mollo, Lynna Mitchell, Frances Meadows, and Daniel Lankford are on the ballot. Morgan Earp did not get his petition filed in time but has announced he is running a write in campaign.
Before the town elections are held in November there will be Republican and Democratic primaries on Aug. 4. The Republicans will choose between Bert Mzusawa, Kim Farrington, and David Williams for an opponent for incumbent Democratic Senator Mark Warner.
The Democratic party’s primary will be for a candidate for the congressional seat currently held by Morgan Griffith. Joy A. Powers, Adam Murphy, and Douglas Crockett will be on the ballot.
Keeping with its tradition, Richlands will celebrate America’s 250th birthday a week early.
The Freedom Festival is on June 27 starting at 5 p.m. at the Richlands Police Department. The festival will offer a variety of music with performances from the Jubalaires, Cody Elswick and the False Teeth, Detour, Brooke Foster and DJ Ryan Magee. There will be games for the children and food from a variety of trucks.
The fireworks are scheduled to light up the night at 9:30 p.m. In addition to the food, music, and fireworks there will be vendors with crafts, local merchandise, and other items.
There will be a prize for the most patriotic costume. From 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. the Richlands Recreation Park will offer free swimming.
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