Jammel Cutler reports for Columbia-Greene Media that former WGXC programmer Alan Skerrett, who died in January, will be honored at this year's Juneteenth celebration in Hudson on June 17. Tanya Jackson, the Juneteenth lead organizer, said, "He was the director of the Mental Health Association for years. He spread the importance of the NAACP when we had an active chapter. He had a radio show for years. He left a hole in the heart of the community when he passed. We will have a memorial display of artifacts from history and a moment of remembrance for him as well.” Skerrett was the head of the local chapter of the NAACP. Juneteenth is a federal holiday commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States. The Juneteenth celebration in Hudson includes a street party, exhibitions, and performances, and is sponsored by Hudson/Catskill Housing Coalition. Jackson said, “We have a kids zone, and we have games and activities for adults. We have local vendors to provide food and other goods and services. We have local talent performing; we also have the Resistance Revival Chorus coming in sponsored by PS21. They’re a chorus of women and non-binary folks that are New York City-based. They will be performing a selection of songs that are rooted in the tradition of resistance.” Fourth Ward Councilmember Malachi Walker said, “Juneteenth celebration is very necessary, especially in Hudson.... I think we got sidetracked with a lot of the negative aspects of what’s going on in our city. We forget to pay continual homage to our great African-American leaders, people- and families who, as far back as I can remember, made a huge impact on Hudson with a lot of history. Starting with my mother, Ida Cross, and Pops Edward Cross being my hero. People like the Hugheses, Mosleys, Walthours, Mackeys, Robertses and Carr families. There’s so many to think of. Thinking of the late great Toni Cross and late great Stanley Keith who’s done so much for our community, but we’re happy to be able to celebrate such a joyous occasion in our city.” Read more about this story in HudsonValley360.com.