Across the nation Juneteenth events celebrate the ending of slavery in the United States. In case you don’t know the history, here’s the deal: On June 19, 1865, Major General Gordon Granger marched Union troops into Galveston, Texas, and declared slaves were free. Of course, we know it wasn’t that easy, and an uphill battle for equality and freedom continued for a long time afterward. Nonetheless, you can celebrate and learn more history at Juneteenth of the Carolinas, a four-day-long festival (kicking off Thurs., June 18 and continuing through Sun., June 21) held at Independence Park. The event’s festivities include African dancing and drumming, music from a variety of local and regional acts, and spoken word performances, as well as art, vendors, food (including a fish fry) and lots more, guaranteeing good times. Independence Park, 300 Hawthorne Lane. 704-376-6160. www.juneteenth.com/4ncarolina_us.htm.
This article appears in Jun 16-23, 2009.
