Honoring Juneteenth: Celebrating Community, Culture, and Legacy in Ridgeland

Juneteenth is more than a date on the calendar—it’s a moment to reflect, honor, and celebrate the ongoing story of Black freedom, excellence, and resilience in America. In Ridgeland, Mississippi, we take this opportunity to recognize and uplift the local figures and Black-owned businesses who contribute their creativity, leadership, and heart to our community every day. This Juneteenth, we’re proud to spotlight a few of the individuals and organizations shaping Ridgeland through art, entrepreneurship, mentorship, and service. Whether they’ve been making an impact for decades or are just beginning to build their legacies, each of them helps make Ridgeland the welcoming, thriving place we call home.

Eddie T. James: Ridgeland’s Horticulture Jewel

For over 60 years, Eddie T. James has helped shape the natural beauty of Ridgeland and Jackson through his work at Green Oak Garden Center. He first learned the trade by shadowing his father, one of Green Oak’s first employees, and quickly developed a passion for plants and landscaping.

Eddie studied plant care materials with intense curiosity and built an unmatched knowledge base—from soil mixes and fertilizers to plant diseases, turf care, and tree identification. Known affectionately as the “Horticulture Jewel” and the “Great Identifier,” Eddie’s expertise and warmth have made him a beloved figure in the community. Today, you’ll still find him tending the plant section at Green Oak, where he continues to share his wisdom—and his signature smile—with customers and coworkers alike.

Rosalind Roy: Storyteller in Clay

For Ridgeland artist Rosalind “Roz” Roy, clay is more than a medium—it’s a connection to memory, identity, and storytelling. A member of the Craftsmen’s Guild of Mississippi since 2005, Roz creates vibrant sculptures and paper collages inspired by her upbringing in the South.

Her pieces feature scenes from daily life—children playing, church gatherings, laundry on the line—and are brought to life through colorful clay and a handmade blend she calls “magic water.” After a career in graphic design, Roz was moved by personal loss to pursue her art full time. Her work reflects her deep connection to family, tradition, and community, and you can see her creations on display at the Waller Craft Center in Ridgeland.

Aftan Mitchell: Weaving Beauty Into the Everyday

Another talented artisan from the Craftsmen’s Guild of Mississippi, fiber artist Aftan Mitchell discovered her gift as a very young child, when her grandmother taught her to crochet during summers in Natchez. What began as a childhood skill has blossomed into a full-fledged passion, deeply rooted in family tradition and Mississippi pride.

Today, Aftan designs crochet and knitwear pieces meant to be worn, used, and loved—functional art inspired by everyday life and created with warmth and intention. In 2023, she opened her own studio, Geri’s Place, in honor of her grandmother. Guests can explore and shop Aftan’s work at the Waller Craft Center in Ridgeland or follow her online at Afghans by Aftan.

Michael Carr: Flavor & Faith at Barbeque SHINE

Ridgeland’s own Barbeque SHINE is the tasty result of faith, hard work, and community—and at the heart of it all is Michael Carr. What began in 2017 as a side hustle catering from a food truck while working at Nissan quickly turned into a true calling.

When indoor dining paused during the pandemic, Michael leaned harder into his dream. His barbecue took off—so much so that he left Nissan and now runs not only a permanent location in Ridgeland but multiple food trucks.

His slogan, “Mississippi flavor with a Texas kick,” reflects both his story and his taste. Raised between Columbus, Mississippi, and family roots in Texas, he named Barbeque SHINE after his nickname, chosen with help from his kids. With a reputation for fast, friendly catering—even on short notice—he’s become a beacon of reliability and flavor in the community.

Michael is also generous with his knowledge. He shares his recipes and advice with aspiring cooks at local festivals, inspiring others to pursue their passions with purpose.

Setting the Scene: The Stellar Venue Shines Bright in Ridgeland

Located in the heart of Ridgeland, The Stellar Venue is a testament to vision, elegance, and community. Founded by Monica Jones, this 3,000-square-foot boutique venue is just steps away from local shops and restaurants. With high vaulted ceilings, oversized windows, and sleek production lighting, it provides a chic blank canvas perfect for weddings, receptions, and community events.

More than a beautiful gathering space, the Stellar team brings warmth and professionalism—Monica, in particular, is praised for her quick responses, helpful coordination, and ability to make guests feel right at home. Her commitment to creating memorable moments makes Monica a shining example of leadership and excellence in Ridgeland’s small-business landscape.

Community Champions: William Merchant & Carla Palmer

As we celebrate Juneteenth and the individuals who help shape Ridgeland’s creative and cultural identity, we also want to recognize two dedicated leaders who continually go above and beyond for our city.

William Merchant, Vice Chairman of the Ridgeland Tourism Commission and General Manager of Soulshine Pizza Factory, brings leadership and passion to every endeavor. His steadfast support of community initiatives and city development helps make Ridgeland a standout destination.

Carla Palmer, Chamber At-Large Board Member and President of CPA Realty, is a tireless advocate for Ridgeland’s growth and business community. Always ready to step up and show up, her service and insight have left a lasting impact.

Their time, dedication, and unwavering support have helped make Ridgeland a place where people love to live, work, and visit. We’re proud to call them colleagues, Board members—and most of all, friends.

How can you celebrate Juneteenth? Get out and support our local Black-owned businesses, spread goodwill in the community, and take time to learn, listen, and lift each other up. Juneteenth is a call to celebrate progress and continue building a future rooted in unity and respect.

This Juneteenth, we honor the past, celebrate the present, and continue to build toward a future filled with opportunity, creativity, and connection. To all who pour their heart into this city—you are the soul of Ridgeland.