From all of us at Equality North Carolina, Happy Juneteenth! Today, we join you in uplifting, celebrating, and reflecting on the end of slavery in the United States. If you're unfamiliar, Juneteenth is an annual day of recognition on June 19 that began with the emancipation of the last enslaved Americans in 1893.
Today, for the first time, we celebrate this monumental holiday with the support of the federal government. Yesterday, President Joe Biden established Juneteenth as the first new federal holiday in nearly 40 years since the creation of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in 1983.
While not yet a state holiday, our communities, truthfully, don't need recognition from our government to hold space for Juneteenth. But this acknowledgment from the highest governmental office in the nation is a significant milestone for America when it comes to grappling with its legacy of violence, oppression, and abject horror towards Black people.
Through the lens of 2021, the most vulnerable members of our communities, particularly Black and Brown trans women, continue to suffer horrendously under the enduring legacy of systematic racism in America. Slavery may be over in this country, but its impact is cemented within the foundations of the nation that we live and work within every day.
Today, Equality NC invites you to celebrate Juneteenth alongside us as a call to action. We encourage you to make a commitment to join us in the ongoing fight for a just and equitable world for all and prioritize the lifesaving fight for the most marginalized North Carolinians.
In the spirit of celebration, there are Juneteenth events happening all across our state today. We've compiled a list of a few below, but a quick Google search will likely yield one close to your area.
In whichever way you choose to acknowledge Juneteenth, we hope you'll consider the ways that you are showing up for this fight for our communities -- and for the Black people in your life. There is still so much work to do.
Happy Juneteenth!
"#NCBVMFreedom21 is kicking off on Juneteenth! Learn how you can join the movement as events are happening across North Carolina this week to honor the 60th anniversary of the original Freedom Ride movement & advocate to protect our voting rights!"
The Juneteenth Community Empowerment Festival kicks off from downtown Rocky Mount with a block party at the Five Points District (Washington and Tarboro Streets). Come enjoy local vendors and the night's featured musical act, Jessie Story.
The Juneteenth Freedom Festival exists to share the history of slavery and to memorialize its ending. We honor the sacrifice of our ancestors, & share the cultural heritage of slaves and their descendants through entertainment, art, education, and an ever-present, always-developing sense of community.
Juneteenth recognizes African American freedom and emphasizes education and achievement. It's a time for communities to come together for reflection and rejoicing. In cities across the country, and internationally, people of all races, nationalities and religions are joining hand to truthfully acknowledge a period in our history that shaped and continues to influence our society today.
"The celebration will feature a Black Futures photo booth, Capoeira workshops, karaoke, a Haitian dance workshop with live drumming, the Hillside High School drumline, two African dance ensembles, live jazz, and a tribute to Erzulie, the Haitian Mother Mary and Goddess of Love whose veve (a religious symbol) has adorned the steeple of the Heritage Center (formerly the church) for 130 years."
"The virtual event will include special presentations about the history of Juneteenth along with a panel discussion regarding criminal justice reform, economic wealth, African American women leadership, and the role of the black church in the African American community."
The 2021 Juneteenth Festival will be hybrid. The in-person event will be held at Innovation Quarter — Biotech Place from 12 – 5 pm and Bailey Park from 12 – 7 pm. You can also experience parts of the festival virtually on the Triad Cultural Arts Facebook page & YouTube Channel. COVID protocols observed for this free event.
In honor of Juneteenth, the City of Greensboro will celebrate African American culture and history through a series of events streamed on the City's Facebook page and YouTube channel, from 9 am to 8 pm, Saturday, June 19.
Each year, The Juneteenth Festival of The Carolinas celebrates the end of slavery, and the African American community is taking the opportunity to come together to reflect and remember the historical event. The Juneteenth committee proudly schedules events that are carefully selected to maximize the experience for all who attend. This year is no different! Check out the jam-packed schedule for #CLTJuneteenth2021!
BBOC (Black Business Owners Corporation) and Melanated Exchange Market are presenting QC Juneteenth Fest on Saturday, June 19th, 2021, from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., at 7601 The Plaza. The celebration will include live performances, a kids' zone, community activities, guest speakers, a selfie experience and visual artists.
On Saturday, June 19th, 2021, The Smoky Mountain District of the United Methodist Church will host a Conference-wide JUNETEENTH Freedom Celebration at Lake Junaluska.
Join us in worship and celebration at this exciting and historic event. We believe it is a story worth sharing!