Juneteenth, a holiday celebrated around the country on June 19, commemorates the end of slavery in the United States.
Though the Emancipation Proclamation, a document that legally freed slaves, was signed in 1863, it would be more than two years until slaves in Confederate states were released.
On June 19, 1865, federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas to take control of the state and ensure all slaves were freed.
Today, hundreds of thousands of people celebrate the holiday with festivals, picnics and family gatherings that center around African American freedom, education and achievement
Here are 12 Juneteenth events coming up in Charlotte:
Location: The House of Africa, 1215 Thomas Ave., Charlotte, NC 28205
When: June 15, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.; June 16, 5-9 p.m.; June 17, 12-10 p.m.; June 18, 12-9 p.m.
What to know: This four-day event will include a talent show, drum circle, craft workshops, African dance performances and more.
Cost: Free
Location: Stratford-Richardson YMCA, 1946 West Blvd., Charlotte, NC
When: June 16-17
What to know: Enjoy a Juneteenth drumline, art and fashion walk, live music and entertainment, mini workshops and youth activities. Parking will be available at the Charles H. Parker Academic Center and Grace & Mercy Cathedral.
Cost: Free. Register online.
Location: Charlotte Museum of History, 3500 Shamrock Dr., Charlotte, NC 28215
When: June 17, 11 a.m.
What to know: The Charlotte Museum of History will have a variety of events for attendees to to learn about Black History, including tours of the 1774 Historic Alexander Homesite, where slaves once lived, and a viewing of “The Path of Portraits,” a painting exhibition that depicts the Charlotteans who participated in sit-ins in 1960 as part of the Civil Rights Movement.
Cost: Adult tickets are $3 and tickets for children ages six to 17 are $3. Admission is free for children five and under. Buy tickets.
Location: Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture, 551 S. Tryon St., Charlotte, NC 28202
When: June 19, 12-6 p.m.
What to know: Join the community archiving workshop on preserving historical artifacts, create a windsock to commemorate the the holiday or participate in a community conversation on the historical context of Juneteenth at the Gantt’s annual holiday celebration.
Cost: Free. Register online.
Location: Cabarrus Arena & Events Center, 4751 N.C. 49, Concord, NC 28205
When: June 17, 1-5 p.m.
What to know: The 2023 North Carolina Juneteenth Festival themed “Educating, Empowering, Entertaining” will feature 100 Black-owned companies, crafts, performances, art and kids games, perfect for the whole family.
Cost: Free
Location: Victoria Yards, 209 E. 7th St., Charlotte, NC 28202
When: June 17, 12 p.m.; June 18, 5 p.m.
What to know: The event will feature free live music, food from multiple vendors and a spades tournament on June 17.
Cost: Free. Register online.
Location: West Charlotte High School, 2219 Senior Dr., Charlotte, NC 28216
When: June 17, 2-6 p.m.
What to know: Bring your family to enjoy performances from African dancers, Black musicians and storytellers, and plenty of activities for children at the fourth annual West End Juneteenth festival. Voter registration and health screening services will also be available.
Cost: Free. Register online.
Location: Knight Theater at Levine Center for the Arts, 430 S. Tryon St., Charlotte, NC 28202
When: June 17, 10 a.m.
What to know: The Juneteenth celebration with “guaranteed fun that will have the whole family jammin’” will include live music, food trucks and a lively celebration of history on Levine Avenue.
Cost: Free. Register online.
Location: Stowe Park, 24 S. Main St., Belmont, NC
When: June 17, 2-9:30 p.m.
What to know: Go for the music, art and culture and stay for the vendors providing food and plenty of family-friendly activities. An African-American drum circle, steel drums and and R&B concert finale are just a few things attendees can expect.
Cost: Free
Location: Crossing Paths Park, 120 Blythe Dr., Indian Trail, NC 28079
When: June 16, 6-9 p.m.
What to know: The festival will include arts, dance, music, spoken word and an educational panel discussion.
Cost: Free
Location: Fountain Park, 300 E. Main St., Rock Hill, SC 29730; Clinton College, 1029 Crawford Rd., Rock Hill, SC 29730
When: June 16, 6 p.m.; June 17, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
What to know: Rock Hill’s two-day Juneteenth celebration will feature of full slate of performers, including musicians, dancers, and spoken word artists, and a food truck kickoff with cuisines from many Black-owned businesses.
Cost: Free
Location: Ada Jenkins Center, 212 Gamble St., Davidson NC 28036
When: June 17, 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m.
What to know: Davidson’s Juneteenth celebration will involve music, dancing, shopping and food trucks, along with plenty of activities for children, like face painting, games and a bounce house.
Cost: Free
Location: Camp North End, 1824 Statesville Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28206
When: June 24, 2-8 p.m.
What to know: Attendees can expect an art exhibit featuring more than 20 artists, a Y2K-themed salon, Black-owned food trucks, a street fashion show, wave check contest and live music.
Cost: Most activities are free, but some require tickets. Buy tickets.
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