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An overview of the lanterns during daylight. (Michael Wilson | The Natchez Democrat)

Natchez National Historical Parks employee David Slay talks to a group of guests about the history of Natchez. (Michael Wilson | The Natchez Democrat)

From left, Theresa Thomas, Agnes Davis, Mary Sproulls and Cynthia Strickland at the Juneteenth Luminary at Melrose. (Michael Wilson | The Natchez Democrat)

From left, Barbara Evans and Darlene Collins at Melrose Juneteenth event. (Michael Wilson | The Natchez Democrat)

Barbara Evans stares at lanterns at dusk. (Michael Wilson | The Natchez Democrat)

Bobby Dennis, director at NAPAC, looks out across the rows of lights. (Michael Wilson | The Natchez Democrat)

Lanterns at Melrose remember the more than 700 people who were enslaved there. (Michael Wilson | The Natchez Democrat)

An impromptu prayer circle with Tracy Collins of Rev's Country Tours, Natchez Mayor Dan Gibson and First Lady Marla Toman Gibson. (Michael Wilson | The Natchez Democrat)

By MICHAEL WILSON

NATCHEZ — The threat of rain showers did not dim the light of the Juneteenth Luminary Commemorative Event taking place at Melrose Wednesday evening.

A diverse crowd gathered on the grounds of the historical home and national park for the event held by the Natchez National Historical Park on the evening of Juneteenth, a federal holiday commemorating the arrival of freedom for enslaved people across the country.

The evening was inspiring and serene, and it featured no strict agenda or program; instead, it served as an opportunity for solemn remembrance. Visitors gazed out over the serene landscape of the estate and saw over 700 carefully placed lanterns expanding even beyond the horizon. Each light represented one of the 700 men, women, and children enslaved by the McCurran family on the grounds of Melrose and at cotton plantations around the region.

A professional videography crew with high-end video equipment—and even boom microphones—captured footage of the evening and interviewed attendees.

The event concluded with an impromptu prayer circle led by Mayor Dan Gibson, who remarked on the injustices in Natchez’s history and paid honor to the enslaved men and women who built Natchez.

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