FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The 17th Annual Juneteenth Festival of the Carolinas returns to Charlotte Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, June 12th, 13th, 14st, and 15th at Independence Park, 10:00 am until 10.00 p.m. Admission is free and open to the public. This year‘s Cultural Camp on Thursday begins at 9 am and runs until 5 pm at Elizabeth Traditional Elementary School, 1601 Park Drive; Charlotte, NC 28204. The Juneteenth Festival is a celebration of not only freedom for enslaved Blacks in America, but freedom of all people that have been enslaved throughout time. The festival offers a rich array of cultural traditions and diversity through food, arts and music, as well as a broad variety of tantalizing, ethnic foods, plus an even greater selection of vendors displaying unique arts, crafts and clothing from around the world. Enjoy fabulous R&B, Blues, Jazz, Reggae, Hip-Hop and many more soul-stirring sounds as music and dance groups perform throughout the weekend’s festivities. Below are highlights of this year‘s festivities: ï‚Ÿ
Once again we will hold our ever popularly Cultural Camp on Thursday, June 12th from 9 am until 5 pm at Elizabeth Traditional Elementary School located at 1601 Park Drive; Charlotte, NC 28204. Mask making, beading, storytelling and songs will renew the children ages 3 and up to a true cultural experience. Please bring a t-shirt for our tie-dye class. Doors will open at 9 am. ï‚Ÿ
Friday June 13th we will again host our ever popular Drum Circle. The Drum Circle attracts music and dance enthusiasts of all ethnicities and from all over the World. ï‚Ÿ
An Education Village is an integral part of the festival. Events in this village range from lectures by prominent educators and historians, to book signings and discussions. African-American history is on display for those wishing to simply gather information. ï‚Ÿ
The Marilyn Griffith Turner Scholarship Fund, which is named posthumously after our long standing chairwoman, is a full four year college scholarship given to a deserving youth approved by our selection committee in conjunction with the awarding college. ï‚Ÿ
A Healthcare Village staffed with health care professionals and a First Care Medical Clinic will be on site. In addition, various FREE healthcare screenings will be available to festival attendees. ï‚Ÿ
Children‘s Village helps children enjoy the Juneteenth Festival as well, with our special area filled with entertaining and educational crafts, as well as a story teller, performing stage and other interactive activities designed just for kids. ï‚Ÿ
The Entertainment Stages spotlight all genres of entertainment to include fashion, dance, singing, poetry, a gospel fest and much more. ï‚Ÿ
The Multi-cultural vendors traveling from all across the country and parts of Africa showcasing food, exquisite art, music and culturally relevant specialty items add even more “flavor” to this must attend event. ï‚Ÿ
Saturday June 14th: A Sign of the Times of the Carolinas- dedicated to improving our community through music. ï‚Ÿ
Experience Charlotte Royalty with Queen Charlotte NC- Sharing Charlotte‘s history, heritage, and happenings, living history artist Queen Charlotte NC, highlights the spectacular life of our queen. ï‚Ÿ
Sunday June 15th church service with The Park Ministries and the Gospel Explosion hosted by Tonya Rivans This year the Juneteenth Festival planning committee expects more than 20,000 attendees. For more information, to volunteer, or a chance to perform at this year‘s festival, please reach out to one of the following contacts, or click on the following link www.juneteenthofthecarolinas.com. The Juneteenth Festival of the Carolinas is a non-profit organization with a 501c3 proudly serving Charlotte, NC for 17 years.
