Communities across the state and country are hosting events to celebrate the nation’s oldest black holiday.
Juneteenth celebrates the freedom and emancipation of enslaved black people in America.
The name Juneteenth refers to June 19, 1865, when enslaved black people learned of their newfound freedom from federal troops arriving in Galveston, Texas. This was more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863.
Although it has long been celebrated in Black communities across America, Juneteenth became an official federal holiday when President Joe Biden signed a bill into law on June 17, 2021.
Here in the Upstate, people celebrate the holiday in many ways. These are the events taking place in the area:
More about Juneteenth: What is June 19 and why do we celebrate the federal holiday in South Carolina
Freedom Ride car and bike show
A Freedom Ride Car & Bike Show will be held at 931 Garrison Road in Simpsonville on Wednesday, June 19 from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM. This show will feature motorcycle convoys, muscle cars, music, food trucks, games for kids and more.
Juneteenth celebration in Anderson Photos: Anderson Library’s Juneteenth celebration features spoken word and color red artwork
Juneteenth Walking Parade on Swamp Rabbit Trail
The city’s third annual event will include a walking parade along the Swamp Rabbit Trail, remarks by Gail Wilson Awan of the Urban League of the Upstate, poetry and a dance performance in Unity Park. The event starts on June 19 at 9:30 am.
A discussion panel will take place at 10:30 a.m. at the Prisma Health Welcome Center at 111 Welborn St., where community and national speakers will share the writings of Martin Luther King Jr. will discuss. The program also includes a musical performance by Loretta Holloway and poetry by Poet Laureate Glenis Redmond. Barbecue and shaved ice are available outside the welcome center at noon.
Spartanburg celebrates Juneteenth: Photos: Spartanburg celebrates Juneteenth with events, ‘show our freedom through unity’
Mauldin hosts the first Juneteenth event
The City of Mauldin will host its first Juneteenth celebration on June 22 from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Mauldin Cultural Center amphitheater at 101 E. Butler Road. Visitors can expect spoken word from Moody Black, gospel music, dance performances and live music from DJ Yuni.
There will also be 25 stallholders, adult refreshments, children’s activities and more educational materials related to Juneteenth.
Educational Racing Seminar in Spartanburg
Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, at 502 S. Daniel Morgan Ave., will lead a discussion on race relations and the history and impact of Juneteenth. The event is on June 19 from 6:00 PM to 7:45 PM.
Spartanburg Juneteenth BEC Gala & Fashion Show 2024
An evening of elegance includes a red carpet, awards ceremony and a full gala experience with live music and refreshments such as the BEC Gala & Fashion Show at the Chapman Cultural Center.
Located at 200 E. St. John St., in Spartanburg, this event celebrates Juneteenth and Black excellence. The event lasts from 6:45 PM to 11:00 PM
Tickets start at $55. For more information, visit spartanburgjuneteenth.com
More: Greenville Honor Tower, Gardens at Unity Park is breaking ground and plans to open in late 2025.
– AJ Jackson covers the food and dining scene, along with arts, entertainment and urban culture for The Greenville News. Contact him via email at ajackson@gannett.com and follow him on X (formally Twitter) @ajhappened. This reporting is only possible with the support of our readers. Sign up for a digital subscription today.
This article originally appeared on Greenville News: Juneteenth events: walk, fashion show, car and bike show, what you need to know
