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The people of North Huntsville celebrated June 19 in a Saturday afternoon event meant to celebrate diversity, unity and peace.
The event took place at the National Speleological Association and was organized by the North Huntsville Business Association. Their goal is to promote social, civic and cultural events such as Juneteenth to help inspire the economic development of North Huntsville.
Juneteenth is also known as Freedom Day, marking the emancipation of slaves in the United States. Although the holiday takes place on June 19, people celebrate throughout the month of June.
The executive director of the North Huntsville Business Association says there is no better way to celebrate June 15 than by coming together as a community.
“We’re so determined to bring this community together. Unity, peace, diversity. That’s what we’re looking for. And what – hey, what better way to celebrate June 15th than they did at the “era. of music, food, fun and conviviality. And that’s what we wanted to do today,” said Judy Hardin, executive director of the North Huntsville Business Association.
The event was in memory of Chris Kelley, the former owner of the Badd Newz BBQ food truck.
“He was the light and glue of our family. So just seeing everyone come here and support him and his food truck, it really means something for the whole family,” Chris’s nephew said. , Labraun Kelley.
Chris passed away last year, but his family continues to operate the Badd Newz BBQ food truck, serving pulled pork and turkey sandwiches on Saturday afternoon in his honor.
The North Huntsville Business Association chose to remember Chris because he was a small minority business owner and was very connected with the people of the community.
“My dad had a pretty close relationship with them so it was really quite nice for them to do this in memory of him,” said Chris’s son Joseph Kelley.
The executive director of the North Huntsville Business Association said celebrating Juneteenth is about bringing the community together, and Chis Food did just that.
“We want to commemorate Chris Kelley for all the great things he’s done, and the people they just loved his food so we’ll never forget the people who do that, and we just wanted to do it today and c ‘is appropriate for Juneteenth, says Hardin.
Badd Newz BBQ has been operating as a food truck for eight years, but they hope to have a common space where people can eat by the end of the year.