Juneteenth festival returns with full slate of events

ASHEEBO ROJAS | THE CHARLOTTE POST

Juneteenth Festival of the Carolinas, founded by Pape Ndiaye (above), returns for its 27th year June 13-16 in the Plaza Midwood neighborhood.

The Carolinas’ largest and oldest Juneteenth celebration is back for a 27th year.

The annual Juneteenth Festival of the Carolinas is June 13-16 at Thomas and Commonwealth avenues in Plaza Midwood, where founder Pape Ndiaye launched the showcase in 1998. Vendors from as far away as Africa will be on hand for the showcase of food, art and music.

Hourly shuttle service will be provided during the festival.

Juneteenth commemorates the end of slavery in the U.S. when Union troops under the command of Major General Gordon Granger arrived at Galveston, Texas on June 19, 1865 to enforce the emancipation of Africans. The celebration is a major event in Texas but has grown in stature across in the Carolinas.

Among the events:

On June 13 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. is the Youth Cultural Camp at Weeping Willow AME Zion Methodist Church.  Children from ages 4-16 can make crafts, jewelry, tie dyes and perform skits.

The opening ceremony is June 14 with the popular drum circle and dance enthusiasts from around the world performing in front of the House of Africa at 1215 Thomas Ave. from 5-10 p.m.

The festival, which includes a freedom and unity march, prayer and Juneteenth history, is June 15 from 12-10 p.m. and on June 16 (11 a.m.- 9 p.m.).  

The march will start at June 15 at 11 a.m. at the Skyla Credit Union, 718 Central Ave. and finishing at the House of Africa.

A Healthcare Village with health care professionals from local clinics and hospitals, nutritionists are on the premises to provide free screenings and wellness sessions
Children’s Village with crafts, storyteller, performing stage and interactive activities.  Lunch and snacks are provided.

The invitation-only VIP luncheon will be held on the festival grounds and will include the inaugural Shirley L. Fulton Community Stewardship Awards, a recognition of people who show stewardship and advocacy that contributes to the quality of life. The recipients are:

• U.S Rep. Alma Adams

• Kathy Hughes

• Barbara Ferguson (posthumous)

• Steve Crump (posthumous)

• Shae Movement and the Queen City Senior African Drummers and Dancers

The Entertainment Stage spotlights African drumming, dance, and local music performances. Fashion designer Khadim Soung from Senegal will present a show featuring original designs from his company, Belle Allure Couture on both days.

Church service hosted by The Park Ministries is June 16 at 11 a.m., followed by a gospel music festival with local and regional gospel artists in addition to jazz, R&B and African drumming.

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