Juneteenth is a celebration that celebrates 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.
Juneteenth Festival of the Carolinas
Juneteenth Festival of the Carolinas is a free, multi-cultural celebration that is in its 24th year. It will take place June 17th to June 20th, 2021, at House of Africa, 1215 Thomas Avenue, in Plaza Midwood.
Thursday, June 17th, 2021
3 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Friday, June 18th, 2021
5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Friday Drum Circle
Saturday, June 19th, 2021
12 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Start at Marshall Park with the Juneteenth Freedom March at 9 a.m., and proceed to House of Africa, where the festival will take place.
Sunday, June 20th, 2021
12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Belmont Juneteenth Celebration
Belmont’s annual Juneteenth Celebration is going virtual again this year. There will be a car parade on June 19th, from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Main Street in Downtown Belmont, which you can watch online, and a livestream concert that you can also watch online at 7 p.m. Watch them both on Belmont Juneteenth Celebration’s Facebook page.
Queen City Juneteenth Festival
The 2021 Queen City Juneteenth Festival has the theme of “Educating, Empowering, Entertaining.” It takes place Saturday, June 19th, 2021, from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., at Fran’s Boys & Girls Center, 2600 W. Trade Street, Charlotte.
The festival features kids’ activities, vendors, giveaways, and more. It’s free to attend.
Charlotte on the Cheap is a member of 
