Happy Juneteenth National Independence Day! Today we celebrate the freedom finally given to the 250,000 people of Texas who were still enslaved two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation. On June 19, 1865, which is now known as Juneteenth, troops arrived to enforce what had already been the law, marking the first day of the ending of slavery in the United States.
Here are a few events celebrating this important day across Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina.
Virginia
Freedom Before Emancipation: Family Day for Juneteenth
“Learn about Ona Judge, Christopher Sheels, and Mount Vernon’s many enslaved people who resisted enslavement and sought freedom before the Emancipation Proclamation.”
Date: June 19-June 22, 2024
Location: George Washington’s Mount Vernon
City of Franklin Juneteenth Celebration
“This event is a time for reflection, education, and community gathering. All are welcome to participate in the festivities!”
Date: June 22, 2024
Location: Barrett’s Landing Park 100 Barrett Street Franklin, VA 23851
Juneteenth Freedom Festival
“Free community festival featuring musical entertainment, food and craft vendors, informational exhibits, and children’s activities.”
Date: June 22, 2024
Location: 600 Jefferson AveNewport News, VA 23607
Hardywood Juneteenth Celebration 2024 + Black is Beautiful Vol 2. Release
“We are excited to host Juneteenth at Hardywood Richmond Powered by UnlockingRVA! This will be a day filled with fun, celebration, and the release of Black is Beautiful Vol. 2!”
Date: June 22, 2024
Location: Hardywood Park Craft Brewery 2410 Ownby Lane Richmond, VA, 23220
Juneteenth in the Park
“Join park staff, volunteers, and community partners for events celebrating African-American culture, resilience, and joy. We believe that nature is for everyone. Our Juneteenth programs welcome individuals and families from all walks of life, fostering an inclusive environment where diverse stories come together.”
Date: June 29, 2024
Location: 10301 State Park Rd., Chesterfield, VA 23832
North Carolina
Juneteenth of New Bern
“Activities include tour of the James City Slave Quarters, Friday night art walk, Sankofa Play, lectures, food, fun, vendors, chalk competition, kids bouncy houses and more!!”
Date: June 8-20, 2024
Location: Henderson Park 940 Chapman StreetNew Bern, NC 28560
Greenville Juneteenth Jamboree 2024
“Groove to live music, discover tasty eats at food trucks, shop the Black-owned vendor fair, play on the bounce houses, and kick back to watch the dazzling fireworks display after sunset!”
Date: June 22, 2024
Location: 105 East 1st Street, Greenville, NC 27858
Legends Gala: Juneteenth Celebration
“Join us for an unforgettable evening honoring the legends of our past and the trailblazers of our future. Experience live music, food, and captivating performances.”
Date: June 22, 2024
Location: Haven Farm | 8521 Buffaloe Road Knightdale, NC 27545
Juneteenth Jubilee
“Enjoy an evening filled with culture, performances, inspiring speakers, and community activities.”
Date: June 23, 2024
Location: Haven Farm | 8521 Buffaloe Road Knightdale, NC 27545
South Carolina
Juneteenth Jubilee
“Experience the power of Emancipation Day with art, a poetry performance, textile exhibits, kids activities, self-care goodies, food and drinks, community, and so much more!”
Date: June 20, 2024
Location: 135 West Richardson Avenue, Summerville, SC 29483
Juneteenth Weekend at Magnolia
“Join us at Magnolia Plantation & Gardens our Juneteenth Freedom Day events.”
Date: June 21-22, 2024
Location: Haven Farm | 8521 Buffaloe Road Knightdale, NC 27545
Spartanburg Juneteenth Bec Gala 2024
“Celebrate Juneteenth at Spartanburg BEC Gala! Support local businesses with live shows, awards, and a party.”
Date: June 21, 2024
Location: Chapman Cultural Center | 200 East Saint John Street Spartanburg, SC 29306
Juneteenth Community Celebration
“This event is a great opportunity to celebrate freedom and unity with your community. There will be live music, delicious food, games, and more.”
Date: June 22, 2024
Location: 469 Nelson Ferry Road Moncks Corner, SC 29461
Cover photo: A Juneteenth flag flies on a float during the 45th annual Juneteenth National Independence Day celebrations in Galveston, Texas, on June 15, 2024. (Photo by Mark Felix / AFP) (Photo by MARK FELIX/AFP via Getty Images)
