Juneteenth Celebration
Celebrated annually, Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when Union General Gordon Granger read federal orders in Galveston, Texas, that all previously enslaved Black people in the state were free. Today, Juneteenth commemorates African American freedom and emphasizes education and achievement. It is a day marked with celebrations and special gatherings.
Join us at the Park for a lively and reflective Juneteenth Celebration curated by Historian Darrell Stover. Get ready to groove to live music, indulge in delicious bites from food trucks, and explore vibrant vendors showcasing their work. It’s a day of unity, culture and joy for all!
Schedule
The following activities will take place at the Great Lawn Pavilion.
- 1 p.m. – Chinfloo Cultural Heritage Procession and Dance Performance
- 1:30 p.m. – Welcome, Libation and Proclamation (with Mayor Harold Weinbrecht and Cary Town Council)
- “Lift Every Voice and Sing” – Mary D. Williams
- “History Speaks on Freedom” Talk – Dr. Freddie Parker
- “Songs of Freedom” – Mary D. Williams
- 2:30 p.m. – Elders of Djembe Performance – Bradley Simmons, Ngoma Woolbright, Bashir Shakur, Teli Shabu, and Kwabena Osei Appiagyei
- 3:30 p.m. – Vocal Performance – Nigel Jones
- 4:15 p.m. – Poetic Songstress Performance – Priscilla Miller
- 5:30 p.m. – Funk of Freedom Performance – Plunky and Oneness of Juju
The following activities will take place along Park Street and in Park Street Courts.
- 1 p.m. – 7 p.m. – The Village – Local Black Artisans
- 2 p.m. – 8 p.m. – Food Trucks (Royal Cheesecake and Varieties, TrySeafood, and Da Jollof Spot)
- 3 p.m. – Musical Performance – Sax with Thomasi McDonald, Preston Barnes and Allen Redd
- 4:45 p.m. – Folksinger/Storyteller Performance – Jasme Kelly
Know Before You Go
- This event is free and open to the public.
- This event is suitable for all ages.
Inclusion Services
Downtown Cary Park strives to provide a positive experience for all guests. Our goal is to accommodate you and meet your individual needs. Please fill out the event accessibility form here and a staff member will be in contact with you.