News Summary
Juneteenth celebrations are set to unfold across North Carolina, honoring the historic significance of June 19. Events include the Under the Oaks Arts Festival, free walking tours at Stagville plantation, and vibrant festivals in Greenville and Spartanburg. The celebrations emphasize community empowerment and cultural heritage while providing educational experiences about the journey toward equality. Local artistry, historical insights, and exciting community activities make this Juneteenth a meaningful occasion for reflection and unity.
North Carolina is gearing up for a series of vibrant celebrations to honor Juneteenth, which takes place on June 19. This date commemorates the moment in 1865 when Union General Gordon Granger proclaimed freedom for enslaved individuals in Texas, marking a pivotal point in U.S. history. Now recognized as a federal holiday since President Biden signed it into law in 2021, Juneteenth serves as a time to celebrate freedom and reflect on the journey toward equality.
Throughout the upcoming week, numerous events are scheduled across North Carolina, emphasizing the themes of community empowerment and cultural heritage. The festivities kick off with the Under the Oaks Arts Festival, set to feature local artists, taking place on June 13 and 14 at Whalehead, a historic mansion in Corolla, NC. This event aims to showcase the artistic talents of the community while celebrating the significance of Juneteenth.
On June 19 itself, the historic Stagville plantation in Durham will welcome visitors for free walking tours between 11 am and 3 pm. These tours will focus on the narratives of enslaved people who lived and worked at the plantation, providing important historical insight and context about their lives and struggles.
Additionally, Greenville is poised to host an exciting festival on June 21 from 5 pm to 9 pm. This celebration will include food, music, and a vendor fair, culminating in a spectacular fireworks display. The community of Greenville will also engage in earlier events leading up to Juneteenth, including a Juneteenth Royal Gala on June 13, a 5K Juneteenth Run for Veterans on June 14, a “Keys to Freedom” homeownership initiative on June 16, and a Freedom Ride Car and Bike Show.
Moreover, the city of Fountain Inn is planning a Soul Food Festival on June 21, showcasing local vendors and performances. This festival aims to celebrate African American culinary traditions while fostering community spirit and connection.
The festivities in Spartanburg also promise to be diverse and engaging. The city will organize its own celebrations, featuring a Juneteenth BEC Gala, a seminar focused on race relations, and a grassroots parade and festival. The Spartanburg Juneteenth Festival will feature a block party and a series of performances, culminating in a significant celebration on June 21 from 4 pm to 10 pm.
In conjunction with these events, Juneteenth GVL is planning various community-focused gatherings, including an art table for youth and cultural celebrations at local venues. Furthermore, they are also spearheading a Juneteenth Community Build project in collaboration with Habitat for Humanity, aimed at promoting economic empowerment and affordable housing initiatives for the community.
Workshops on homeownership, local performances, and educational seminars are scheduled throughout Greenville and its surrounding areas, ensuring that the Juneteenth celebrations are not only festive but also informative, focusing on important themes such as personal and community development.
As Juneteenth approaches, North Carolina appears to be fostering a spirit of solidarity, reflection, and celebration. The multitude of events planned reflect the ongoing journey toward freedom and empowerment, honoring a critical chapter in American history while looking forward to a united future.
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Additional Resources
- Greenville Online: Juneteenth Events in Upstate SC
- WJHL: Greeneville 4th Annual Juneteenth Celebration
- GVLToday: Juneteenth Events in Greenville
- Fox Carolina: Upstate Events Planned for Juneteenth
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Juneteenth
Author: STAFF HERE OUTER BANKS WRITER
The OBX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOBX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in the Outer Banks, Dare County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Outer Banks Seafood Festival, NC VIP Fishing Tournament, and NCBBA Red Drum Tournament. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce and Outer Banks Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in tourism, retail, and hospitality that power the local economy such as Kitty Hawk Kites, Outer Banks Mall, and Avon Fishing Pier. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HERERaleigh.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
