Juneteenth in the Triangle: Your guide to historic tours, exhibits, events and festivals
The Triangle offers an enormous range of opportunities to celebrate Juneteenth - whether by taking tours of museums and historic sites or enjoying live music, food and celebrations. Here's a guide to Juneteenth events and tours in the Triangle.
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Juneteenth commemorates the abolition of slavery in the United States. The first Juneteenth was June 19, 1865, when in the aftermath of the Civil War, federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas to take control and ensure the freedom of all enslaved men, women and children.
Considered the longest-running African American holiday, Juneteenth was finally recognized as a federal holiday on June 17, 2021 – a full 156 years after it was first celebrated.
The Triangle offers an enormous range of opportunities to celebrate Juneteenth – whether by taking tours of museums and historic sites or enjoying live music, food and celebrations. Here's a guide to Juneteenth events and tours in the Triangle.
Juneteenth events and tours in Raleigh
Juneteenth Jubilee parade - Saturday, June 25, beginning at 10 a.m.
Capital City Juneteenth Celebration
Dix Park Juneteenth Celebration -Saturday, June 18 from 1 to 6 p.m.
NC State Capitol Juneteenth Tours - Saturday, June 18 at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m.
An exhibit called "Freedom Stories" will feature the names and stories of enslaved individuals who played a role in building the Capitol – and whose stories also include emancipation.
Representatives from the State Archives of North Carolina will also be on-site to discuss African American genealogical resources available through the archives.
NC Museum of History Juneteenth exhibit - Friday, June 17 from 1 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m.
The North Carolina Museum of History has an afternoon of Juneteenth-inspired activities from 1 to 4 p.m. Visitors are invited to view exhibits and watch interactive history -- like Neal Thomas making split-oak baskets like those used by families at early Juneteenth celebrations, or meeting members of the US Colored Light Artillery Civil War re-enactors, who will tell stories of the courageous soldiers struggle for freedom and citizenship during the Civil War.
John Chavis Memorial Park Juneteenth Jubilee - All week
Juneteenth on Canvas - Wednesday, June 15 from 6 to 8 p.m.
Enjoy a relaxing evening at Chavis Park while painting Juneteenth-inspired art and listening to live jazz from saxophonist Jashuan Peele.
African Fashion Show - Thursday, June 16 from 6 to 8 p.m.
Come to Chavis Park for a live fashion show. Learn about African fashion, traditions and inspiration from the African continent. Fashion for all ages will be represented and presented by Jacha Trends African Clothing, a division of KroCia, LLC.
Juneteenth Festival at the park - Friday, June 17 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Pope House Museum Juneteenth events: June 18 and 19
Oberlin Village 5K - Saturday, June 18 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.
The Friends of Oberlin Village are presenting the 1st Annual Oberlin Village Heritage 5K Run at Dix Park, with funds going to preserve Oberlin Village's rich history, contributions and achievements.
Mt. Hope Cemetery tour - Saturday, June 18 from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Juneteenth events and tours in Durham
Hayti Heritage Center Juneteenth event - Friday, June 17 from 1 to 9 p.m.
NC Juneteenth Celebration - Saturday, June 18 from 1 to 10 p.m.
The officially opening ceremony kicks off with a processional of dancers and drummers, followed by a presentation by the United States Colored Troops, prayer, proclamations, pouring of the libation and presentations on the history of Juneteenth.
Other Juneteenth events around the Triangle
Downtown Cary Juneteenth event - Sunday, June 19 from 3 to 4:30
Come gather at the Old Library Site on Academy Street for food, stories and live music that commemorate the history and culture of Juneteenth. The event begins with a procession, libation and proclamation. Stay for the NC Freedom Story of Harriet Ann Jacobs and enjoy a drum-line and freedom dance.
The Cary Arts Center will be lit in red, yellow, and green to honor the heritage and meaning of the day.
Hargraves Community Center in Chapel Hill - Sunday, June 19 from 2 to 6 p.m.
Did we miss any Juneteenth events in the Triangle?
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