Celebrated annually, Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when Union General Gordon Granger read federal orders in Galveston, Texas, that all previously enslaved Black people in the state were free. Although slaves had been formally freed almost two and a half years earlier and the American Civil War had come to an end earlier in the year, news and enforcement of the proclamation had been slow and inconsistent in remote areas of the still-growing United States. The date has since served as cause for celebration, remembrance, and traditions across the country.

2021 Events:

Wednesday, June 16

Juneteenth Voices
Location: Virtual – Webex invitation sent via email

Imagine, create, and collaborate on an original scene based on characters and events from All Different Now: Juneteenth, the First Day of Freedom by Angela Johnson and illustrated by E.B. Lewis. Register just one person from your household to hold your family’s spot. Multiple family members welcome!

This interactive class is limited to a small group and you must register in advance.  Registered participants will receive a Webex invitation via email no later than the day before the start of the class.

Register: https://mycary.org/s/program?programCode=009741

Saturday, June 19

Celebrate Freedom
Location: Sertoma Amphitheatre at Bond Park from 1 – 2:30 p.m.

1 p.m. | Welcome Procession by the Magic of African Rhythm Drummers
1:10 p.m. | Welcome Address & Proclamation with Cary Town Council and Darrel Stover
1:20 p.m. | Lift Every Voice and Sing by Al Strong Quintet
1:30 p.m. | Significance of Juneteenth and Emancipation with Dr. Reginald Hildebrand
1:45 p.m. | Freedom Interpretation with Carolyn Evans and Tom Hancock
1:55 p.m. | Gospel selection with Lynette Barber
2 p.m. | Freedom Come to North Carolina with Michelle Lanier
2:10 p.m. | Paul Laurence Dunbar’s The Colored Soldiers with Mitch Capel
2:25 p.m. | Collective Close in Song with Jasme Kelly