The Latest from Doug
Over the last couple of months, we have celebrated freedom, accomplishments and hosted events to engage with our residents. The most recent celebrations were the Fourth of July events in downtown with a resounding 6,600 people in attendance.
I want to take this moment to reflect on a few of those events that have taken place. In May, we celebrated the groundbreaking for a community building and ribbon cutting ceremony for a splash pad at Mable C. Smith Park, and opening 4 pools and 14 splash pads throughout our city. Fayetteville-Cumberland Human Relations also hosted a public safety town hall to help residents understand how the process of the criminal justice system works. Additionally, our Economic and Community Development Department, FAST, and Fayetteville VA Coastal Care came together to host the annual Veterans Homeless Standdown to support our military Veterans.
In June, we celebrated Juneteenth and unveiled a civil rights historical marker honoring the brave individuals who led marches and sit-ins in downtown Fayetteville during the summer of 1963. The unveiling kicked off the Juneteenth weekend and the second annual two-day Juneteenth Jubilee. We honored the struggle for freedom, acknowledged the contributions of African Americans, and committed to building a more inclusive and equitable City and society for all.
All these wonderful celebrations and recognitions are possible because of residents like you, those who engage with others throughout our community and care about continuing to make our City a better place to live, work and recreate.
Best,
Doug
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