Juneteenth is a celebration of the end of the enslavement of African-American people in the United States.
It marks the day, June 19th, 1865, when the Emancipation Proclamation (which had been issued on January 1st, 1863) was finally read to enslaved African-Americans in Texas.
It took more than two years for word of freedom to get to enslaved people, and freedom is still a process. Some of the Juneteenth events are calls to action, and all encourage community involvement.
Here are some ways to celebrate Juneteenth in Charlotte. Please check back soon for updates on these events and announcement of others.
Juneteenth Festival of the Carolinas
Juneteenth Festival of the Carolinas is a free, multi-cultural celebration that is in its 25th year. It will take place at House of Africa, 1215 Thomas Avenue, in Plaza Midwood. It takes place from June 16th to June 19th, 2022.
June 16th, 2022
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Youth day camp
- Celebration of history
- Craft workshops
- Heritage Hour
- Heritage performances
- Music
June 17th, 2022
5 to 9 p.m.
- Inaugural Drum Circle
- International drummers
- Community fellowship
- Annual talent show
June 18th, 2022
12 to 10 p.m.
- Juneteenth parade/march (starting at Grady Cole Center, ending at the House of Africa)
- Juneteenth street festival
- HIV/AIDS seminar and screening
- Music
- Drama
- Dance
- Storytelling
- Food
- Children’s Village
- Health fair
- African dancers
- Fashion show
- Talent show
- More
June 19th, 2022
12 to 9 p.m.
- Sunday service
- Gospel explosion
- Youth seminar
- Empowerment stage
- Tribute to fathers
- More
Charlotte Juneteenth Celebration
The 3rd Annual Juneteenth Celebration has grown into a three-day celebration. This event is organized by SESA University in collaboration and More Color Inc. It takes place from June 17th to 19th, 2022, at 619 Anderson Street, Charlotte. The event features vendors, live music, youth activities, art, fashion, food trucks and more. This is a free event.
1st Annual Queen City Juneteenth Parade
The 1st Annual Queen City Juneteenth Parade takes place Monday, June 20th, 2022, at 10 a.m., at Central Piedmont Community College’s Cato Campus, 8120 Grier Road, Charlotte. Interested in participating or volunteering? Email Sharon at queencityjuneteenth@gmail.com.
Juneteenth at Gantt Center
The Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts+Culture presents Juneteenth events every year. So far we’ve heard about Art After Dark: Movement and Freedom on Friday, June 17th, 2022, from 6 to 10 p.m. This is a free event for people ages 21+. Please check back soon to see if there’s also a family event for Juneteenth.
North Carolina Juneteenth Festival
The 2022 North Carolina Juneteenth Festival has the theme of “Educating, Empowering, Entertaining.” It takes place Saturday, June 18th, 2022, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., at Cabarrus Arena & Events Center
The festival features kids’ activities, vendors, giveaways, and more. It’s free to attend.
Belmont Juneteenth Celebration
Belmont’s annual Juneteenth Celebration is planned as an in-person event after two years of virtual celebrations. It will take place at Belmont’s Stowe park on June 18th, 2022, from 2 to 9:30 p.m.
3rd Annual Juneteenth Youth Experience
The 3rd Annual Juneteenth Youth Experience gives the spotlight to kids and teens, with a youth vendor market and youth entertainers. This is a free event that will take place at Romare Bearden Park, 300 S. Church Street, on Sunday, June 19th, 2022, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Annual Juneteenth Celebration in Monroe
The City of Monroe is hosting the 3rd Annual Juneteenth Celebration on Saturday, June 18th, 2022, from 3 to 7 p.m., at Belk Tonowanda Park, 217 IB Shive Drive, Monroe. Please check back soon for details about the event.
Levine Museum of the New South
Levine Museum of the New South usually presents a Juneteenth celebration. Check back soon.
QC Juneteenth Fest
Last year, BBOC (Black Business Owners Corporation) and Melanated Exchange Market presented QC Juneteenth Fest. Check back soon to see if they will be presenting an event this year.
Charlotte on the Cheap is a member of 
Leave a Reply