Paducah’s 8th of August celebrations – a regional holiday that marks when some Black Kentuckians and Tennesseans learned that slavery had been abolished in America – kick off Wednesday. This year, the theme is “Golden Jubilee: Celebrating 50 Years of Heritage and Hope” – marking five decades of the W.C. Young Community Center, which has hosted 8th of August celebrations since its construction. The center was originally named the Paducah Community Center, but was renamed to honor its founder W.C. Young, a Black community leader who fought against poverty and injustice. Robert Coleman Park will also be the site of a block party, starting at noon, and, starting at 1 p.m., a car show. Eighth of August celebrations will conclude after a salute to gospel music at Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church, which begins at 4 p.m. Sunday.