Juneteenth, recognized as the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the end of slavery in the United States, will be marked by various events in Williamsburg. The celebrations aim to educate and reflect on the Black experience in America.
William & Mary will host a Juneteenth commemoration at the Sadler Center on June 18 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. This free event will feature dancing and cultural exploration. The program begins at 10:15 a.m. with greetings from William & Mary and the City of Williamsburg, followed by a history presentation by Ghana Smith. Activities include line dancing led by Kelsea Mangrum and music by the 5Starr Band.
The Village Initiative’s Juneteenth Freedom Celebration is scheduled for June 19 at noon. Organized by James City County and the York-James City-Williamsburg NAACP branch, this free event includes parades, live entertainment featuring DJ Drew Carter AKA Grand Master Dee from Whodini, an African fashion show, and food trucks.
Jamestown Settlement will observe Juneteenth on June 15 with a documentary screening at 1 p.m., highlighting African American contributions to river life in early America. A paddling event follows at 3:30 p.m., requiring pre-registration and costing $35.
On June 19, The Historic First Baptist Church will break ground for the reconstructed African Baptist Meeting House. The same day marks the public opening of the restored Williamsburg Bray School building in Colonial Williamsburg’s Historic Area.
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation offers free admission on June 19 with special programming such as performances by Nation Builders and family activities discussing slavery.
Several other events are planned throughout Williamsburg, including walking tours exploring slavery’s paradoxes, community celebrations with live music, readings, and presentations on Juneteenth’s history.
For more details about these events, visit the Juneteenth Community Consortium website.
