Juneteenth committee asks Radcliffe to hold donations and oversee vendor payments for June event

Organizers of a Juneteenth event told the Radcliffe City Council on May 12 that they are not requesting city grant funding but asked the city to act as an administrative holder and disburser for sponsorship money and vendor payments for a June 14 celebration at North Kern High School.

The Harkin County Juneteenth Committee representatives said they will collect donations and requested a city mechanism to hold funds and pay vendors so individual organizers do not have to front payments. Kevin Russell, a committee leader, told the council they were “definitely not asking for the city to give us any money” and instead wanted “someone to oversee it and disperse to the vendors.” He said the group expects any city-held funds to remain modest and suggested a cap “not surpassing probably around $5,000 at the most.”

Committee members described programming that will include live music, a segment sponsored by the NAACP, church performances, kids activities and food trucks. Elaine Gilpin, listed in meeting remarks as responsible for entertainment, and Yolani Jackson, a committee member, also introduced sponsorship and vendor plans.

Council members asked logistical questions. City staff and council indicated they would consult the finance director and city legal staff before agreeing to act as a fiscal agent; one council member noted the city’s typical requirements for sponsorship support and suggested the possibility of placing a city representative on the event board to provide oversight. The meeting also identified Tim Murray as the contact for food-truck licensing and health-department checks.

Organizers said they are a volunteer group and not a 501(c)(3). They told the council they had received multiple sponsor commitments and that surrounding communities plan to participate. No formal council vote was taken; staff will follow up with organizers after consulting finance and legal.