Celebrate Black freedom on Juneteenth in Charlotte with events, virtual activities
On Friday, people nationwide will celebrate Juneteenth, an American holiday that commemorates June 19, 1865, when Union Gen. Gordon Granger read federal orders in Galveston, Texas, stating that all previously enslaved people in Texas were free.
Despite the Emancipation Proclamation, which had freed Black slaves almost 2 1/2 years prior to the federal orders, and the American Civil War, which resulted in the defeat of the Confederate States, the move toward the abolishment of slavery in Texas was a slow crawl due to the low presence of Union troops in the state. In turn, progress was slow and inconsistent until the federal orders were read on June 19, 1865.
According to pbs.org, “When Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger issued the order, he had no idea that, in establishing the Union Army’s authority over the people of Texas, he was also establishing the basis for a holiday, ‘Juneteenth’ (’June’ plus ‘nineteenth).”
Juneteenth has since been celebrated nationwide, and Charlotte is no exception. Here is a list of local festivities, (and you can find a few more Juneteenth activities in QCityMetro, as well).
Juneteenth Festival of the Carolinas
The Juneteenth Festival of the Carolinas, held June 19-21, is free and open to the public. In light of COVID-19, this year’s festivities will look a little different. Attendees are encouraged to swing by the House of Africa, but should note that space is limited. All who attend will be required to wear a mask and should practice social distancing to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
This year’s events won’t include vendors, as past years did. However, festival-goers can look forward to a DJ, drumming circles and prayer time in honor of the ancestors. It’s all about “Unity and togetherness” said Pape Ndiaye, founder and president of Juneteenth Festival of the Carolinas. Surrounding streets will remain open.
Visit the Juneteenth Festival of the Carolinas’ Facebook page for a schedule of events. For more information visit www.juneteenthofthecarolinas.com or call House of Africa at 704-376-6160. Parking is limited. Businesses in Plaza Midwood will remain open during the festival.
More Juneteenth events in Charlotte
Thursday June 18
- The Charlotte Museum of History is hosting a virtual Lunch & Learn: Celebrating Juneteenth event from noon-12:45 p.m. RSVP on the website.
- Charlotte Uprising and SEAC Village will host Juneteenth People’s University in Freedom Park 5:30 p.m.-8 p.m.. They will cover topics such as bail support, alternatives to calling the police, street medic trauma and trigger response, and what to do when you get arrested. Visit the event’s Facebook page for additional information.
Friday June 19
Charlotte Black Pride is holding Yoga for Black Liberation at 6:45 p.m. in Freedom Park.
- Coalition For a New South is hosting a Juneteenth Food Truck Rally at Hornets Nest Park at 6301 Beatties Ford Road 5-8 p.m. Attendees can look forward to an evening of music, food, and speakers. Face masks are required. Visit the event website for more information.
- Thug Life in partnership with Kidz Fed Up is hosting Juneteenth: Celebration of Freedom, Restoration & Black Culture at 291 Dairy Barn Lane in Fort Mill, SC, 3-9 p.m. Tickets for adults are $5, and free for kids aged 12 and under. There will be vendors, food trucks, voter registration, free meditation sessions and live musical performances. Yoga and meditation sessions begin at 3 p.m. Please bring your own picnic blankets and/or lawn chairs. Face masks will be required.
- Levine Museum of the New South will host the Juneteenth! Family Day Celebration, a virtual event at 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Visit the website for additional information.
- BLKMRKTCLT will host The Freedom March at First Ward Park in two parts: A speaking engagement 1-1:50 p.m., and a peaceful protest 1:50-3 p.m. The event will include entertainment, and attendees are encouraged to wear durags and/or other clothing representative of Black American and African culture. Visit the website to register.
- The Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture will host Family First: Juneteenth Celebration Art Lesson with Alicia McDaniel 3-4 p.m., a virtual event. Visit the website to register.
- There will be a Juneteeth Liberation Drive-Thru Celebration on Beatties Ford Road (near LaSalle Street) 6:30 p.m.-8 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to decorate their vehicles with signs or colors and flags representative of the holiday. Visit the website for additional information.
June 20
Unitymarkets, Riziki Zafira and SESA University will host a Juneteenth Social Distance Block Party at 2848 Queen City Drive from noon–8 p.m. Attendees can look forward to live entertainment, community vendors, raffles and give-aways. Family-friendly events will occur noon–4 p.m., with the day-party for adults occurring at 4-8 p.m. Visit the event’s Facebook page for more information.
Celebrate Juneteenth in person or virtually at the 2020 Belmont Juneteenth Celebration. Participate in a virtual 2K walk, watch the Juneteenth Parade at Stowe Park or via webcam, and enjoy a smooth jazz concert over Facebook live. 2-9 p.m. 24 E. Main St., Belmont. Free admission.
This story was originally published June 16, 2020 at 3:36 PM.
