ROCK HILL, S.C. — The Juneteenth Rock Hill, Inc. will host the 2019 Juneteenth Rock Hill Celebration on June 21st and 22nd, along with a special presentation and cultural art-based storytelling event on June 8th.
On Saturday, June 8th at 1:30 p.m. there will be a special presentation to announce the student winners of this year’s Juneteenth Rock Hill coloring contest.
The committee will present an elementary and middle school student with a prize for the best Juneteenth coloring page. The presentation will also highlight the history of Juneteenth in Rock Hill along with details about this year’s event.
Immediately following the special presentation at 2 p.m. author, storyteller, and educator Carlo L’Chelle Dawson will host a Juneteenth family storytelling event titled, Daring Dave: Who is Dave the Potter? at the York County Library.
Attendees will have the opportunity to practice pottery and poetry while learning about Dave Drake the Potter, an artist and writer from South Carolina. Dawson’s book, “Why We Celebrate”, a history of African American artisans and writers, will also be available for purchase, along with the book Daring Dave.
The two-day event will officially begin on Friday, June 21st with the Juneteenth Food Truck Friday concert at Fountain Park from 6 p.m. until 10 p.m.
The Juneteenth festivities will continue on Saturday, June 22nd with the Juneteenth Freedom Fest and Talent Showcase on the grounds of Mt. Prospect Baptist Church from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m.
Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. It celebrates the history, culture, and customs of African Americans. In 2015, the Juneteenth Rock Hill Committee, partnered with the City of Rock Hill to help promote and grow this event. Prior to the collaboration, the celebration has taken place for nearly 20 years at Mt. Prospect Baptist Church.
