CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The Juneteenth Festival of the Carolinas, the largest and oldest Juneteenth Festival in the Southeast returns for its 28th Annual Celebration June 12th- 15th.
The festival will feature the Juneteenth Freedom & Unity March.
The free Multi-cultural Festival will celebrate 28 years, more than a Quarter of a Century on June 12th-15th, in the heart of Plaza Midwood, where the festival began at Thomas and Commonwealth Avenues. Multi-cultural vendors that travel from across the country and parts of Africa will showcase food, exquisite art, music and culturally relevant specialty items.
The Honorable Shirley L. Fulton Community Stewardship Awards recognizes those who advance Judge Fulton’s life work through their stewardship and advocacy that contributes to the improvement of the quality of life for our community.
This year we will recognize members of the legal profession:
- The Honorable Judge Calvin Murphy
- The Honorable Rickey McKoy-Mitchell
- The Honorable Yvonne Mims Evans
- The Honorable Rebecca Thorne Tin
- The Honorable T. Michael Todd
- The Esteemed James E. Ferguson II, Esquire
The committee is extending an invitation to the press; however, this is an invitation only event. On Thursday, June 12 th from 9AM-4PM is devoted to our children. Children from all over participate
in our popular Youth Cultural Camp every year.
This year, camp will take place at Weeping Willow AME Zion Church located on 2220 Milton Road in Charlotte. Children and youth, ages 4-16, will engage
in a true cultural experience from making crafts, jewelry, tie dyeing, performing skits and much more. Please bring a t-shirt for our tie-dye class.
On Friday, June 13th, we will once again host our Opening Ceremony with the ever-popular Drum Circle. The Drum Circle attracts drummers and dance enthusiasts of all ethnicities from all over the US and the world.
The Drum Circle takes place on Friday in front of the House of Africa at 1215 Thomas Avenue from (5 p.m. until 10 p.m.)
The Festival takes place on Saturday, June 14th (12 p.m. until 10 p.m.) and Sunday, June 15th (11 a.m until 9 a.m).
There will be a Church service with the Park Ministries at 11AM on Sunday. History and education are an integral part of the festival.
The Juneteenth Freedom & Unity March, created to encourage peace and unity will start at 11 a.m. on Saturday from Skyla Credit Union, 718 Central Avenue and finish at the House of Africa, 1215 Thomas
Avenue, where the festival began 28 years ago.
The Marilyn Griffith Turner Scholarship Fund is named posthumously after our long-standing Chairwoman. The scholarship is given to a deserving youth approved by our selection committee.
A Healthcare Village staffed with health care professionals and nutritionists from local clinics and hospitals are on the premises to provide various healthcare screenings and wellness sessions at no
charge.
Children’s Village – Children will enjoy the Juneteenth Festival as well, with our special area filled with entertaining and educational crafts, as well as a storyteller, and other interactive activities designed just for kids.
Lunch and snacks are provided.
The Entertainment Stage spotlights African drumming, dance, and all genres of music including, R&B, Jazz and Gospel featuring local, regional performers. International Fashion Designer, Khadim Soung
from Senegal will also present a fashion show featuring his original fashion designs from his company, Belle Allure Couture on Saturday evening.
Join in for four days of Fun, Food, Music and Art. The Juneteenth Festival of the Carolinas is a 501c3 non-profit organization.
For the convenience of festival attendees, hourly shuttle service will be provided throughout festival hours on both days.
