Over the years, Juneteenth has gone from being exclusively celebrated in big cities to celebrations popping up in the smallest townships around the country. Just in the immediate area, there are a plethora of events to participate in to celebrate Freedom Day.
What is Juneteenth?
Juneteenth was officially granted Federal holiday status by President Biden on June 17, 2021, but African Americans have been celebrating since the day that marks its existence. After the Civil War ended on April 9, 1865, slavery was supposed to come to an end and enslaved individuals were to be freed.
This was not the case all over the country and on June 19, 1865, Union soldiers (around 2,000) arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas to declare to approximately 250,000 enslaved African Americans that they were in fact free and had been so for over two months.
Why should you participate?
While Juneteenth is a celebration of freedom for African Americans, everyone is invited to events happening all over the country. Juneteenth is a day to remember how far we’ve come, reflect on where we want to be, and focus on making tomorrow better for everyone.

Juneteenth Event Guide

Fayetteville
Juneteenth Jubilee: Their Wildest Dreams presented by the City of Fayetteville and Cool Springs Downtown District
• Saturday, June 15
• 1 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Get ready for a full day of fun and celebration of the culture with the City of Fayetteville and the Cool Springs Downtown District at Festival Park.
There will be food trucks, local artisan vendors, history presentations, local artists, and national headlining sensations Pierce Freelon and Skip Marley. For those unfamiliar with Pierce Freelon, his music is described as “joyful music blends hip-hop, electronic jazz, and soul.”
Skip Marley, is, of course, the most recognizable name, the grandson of reggae legend Bob Marley. The city has been participating in Juneteenth since its federal recognition, with Cool Springs Downtown District organizing and putting on great events.
This year's inspiration was near and dear to Cool Springs Downtown District, Director of Special Projects, Ashanti Bennett.
“When I first started thinking about this year’s Jubilee, the phrase ‘we are our ancestors’ wildest dreams’ kept catching in my head. I look around at the accomplishments of Black Americans across the country and the globe, not to mention the inspiring excellence right here in Fayetteville, the barriers that we continue to break, the leadership and advancement of the culture, and the joy we continue to express even in the face of turmoil. I can’t help but reflect on the wonder and pride that our ancestors would feel if they could see us now,” she said.
“Current events both here and around the globe are so tumultuous; for this year’s celebration, we truly want to lean into a vibe of joy and uplifting positivity.”
Along with all the fun in Festival Park, the “Can Do” Caldwell Trolley is back this year to give patrons a historic tour of Fayetteville, focused on the excellence of the African American community and the impact the community has had on the growth of Fayetteville.
This year’s event is sponsored by local news stations ABC-11, Healy Wholesale, Beasley Media Group, and Cape Fear Valley Health System.

The Juneteenth Celebration
• Wednesday, June 19, Saturday, June 22 and Sunday, June 23
This a 3-day celebration, presented by Book Black Women.
The NC History Center on the Civil War, Emancipation & Reconstruction
• Monday, June 17
• 7 p.m.
The NC History Center on the Civil War, Emancipation & Reconstruction will be hosting its annual Juneteenth event, the Hari Jones Memorial Lecture at Mt. Sinai Missionary Baptist Church, 1217 Murchison Road. This year’s speaker is none other than Leesa Jones, Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Washington Waterfront Underground Railroad Museum in Washington, NC.
“Participants will learn how the Underground Railroad provided safe passage for Freedom Seekers, by sharing secretly coded information in songs, clothing, food, flowers, and even nursery rhymes.”

Hope Mills
Town of Hope Mills Juneteenth Liberty and Legacy Celebration
• Saturday, June 15
• 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Hope Mills is celebrating its inaugural Juneteenth event this year at Dirt Bag Ales Brewery and Taproom located at 5435 Corporation Dr, Hope Mills.
An all-day event promising a celebration of culture featuring 2 live bands, a Divine 9 Step-off
(Divine 9 refers to the 9 historic black fraternities and sororities that exist today on University and college campuses around the WORLD and stepping is a form of dance that is embedded in the culture of HBCU's and the African American community), a high school band performance, old school DJ and all the elements that make up a celebration of the Black culture. There will also be 7 food trucks to choose from as well as an assortment of artisan vendors.

Raeford
Juneteenth in the Park: Better Together
• Saturday, June 15
• Noon
Raeford will hold its annual Juneteenth celebration in the park located at 202 E Donaldson Ave, Raeford. Families are invited to come and enjoy live entertainment, food vendors and local artisan vendors as well.
Lawn chairs are encouraged as are fans. Attendees can look forward to a host of speakers throughout the day, including Tiffany Campbell, founder of 100 Professional Black Women in Black, and a performance by the Community Mass Choir.

Sanford
Rock the Block: Celebrating Freedom
• Saturday, June 15
• Noon to 5 p.m.
Celebrating its 4th Annual Rock the Block, Sanford has a full afternoon planned for community members. There will be live music, vendors, and a cook-off. Attendees will not only get to shop and bop to some beats but watch “grill masters” from the area compete to be called the Rock the Block Grill Masters.
There will be a kid’s zone, guest speakers, and the annual community Juneteenth Awards, honoring community members who go above and beyond for the community.

(Photo: The Cool Springs District in Downtown Fayetteville welcomes Skip Marley to the Fayetteville Juneteenth Jubilee. Photo courtesy of Cool Springs District)