Lowcountry Group Set To Mark Juneteenth With An Inclusive Festival
In commemoration of the emancipation of the U.S.’s last remaining enslaved people, an annual festival is being in North Charleston, South Carolina. The preparations are underway for the celebrations to kick off this weekend in the Lowcountry with community-wide gatherings.
Juneteenth – A Historical Reminder and Celebration
Juneteenth, observed annually on June 19, carries a significant historical mark that signals the official end of slavery in the United States. The occasion was federally recognized as a holiday by President Joe Biden in 2021 and has since witnessed numerous gatherings, celebrations, and community events across the country.
Ahead of the Holiday – Fourth Annual Juneteenth Family Fest
This weekend, as a run-up to the actual holiday, the Fourth Annual Juneteenth Family Fest will be held at North Charleston’s Riverfront Park. The day-long event on Saturday is intended to be open and inclusive, inviting community members of all backgrounds to partake in the celebrations.
Festival Activities
An effusive list of activities awaits guests at the festival. This includes various games, showcases of Black art, and an assortment of cultural food, in addition to live music performances set to electrify the atmosphere. Representatives from the Historically Black Colleges and Universities will be present at the festival. To conclude the event, a grand fireworks display has been arranged for everyone’s enjoyment.
The Meaning and Organizer’s Perspective
One of the event organizers, Joselyn Johnson, shared the sentiment behind the festival, stating, “This is the true celebration of freedom from slavery for all. It just represents the struggle of our ancestors and even those allies that supported the mission too.” Johnson belongs to The Passion Project Initiative, the group orchestrating this sizable community event.
Charleston as a Historical Center
The community of Charleston holds immense historical relevance in the context of Juneteenth. Johnson noted, “Over 80% of Africans can trace their descendants here to Charleston, to our slave tree, so this is kind of a hub”. She believes that being able to organize this event in Charleston is historical in itself, attracting participants from across the country.
The Juneteenth Celebration Event Details
The Juneteenth celebration is set to commence at 3 p.m., with arrivals starting as early as 2 p.m. The festival will continue until 10 p.m. at 1061 Everglades Avenue, North Charleston. Everyone is cordially invited to mark this historical occasion with joy, unity, and respect.
