HISTORIC TRIANGLE — The Juneteenth Community Consortium, an association of are organizations whose goal is to educate, commemorate, and celebrate the end of slavery in America, is hosting a slate of events around the region from June 15-25.
The consortium includes: the City of Williamsburg, Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, Coming To The Table, Historic Area Religions Together, League of Women Voters of Williamsburg Area, Let Freedom Ring Foundation, Village The Initiative For Equity in Education, Virginia Arts Festival — Williamsburg Live, Visit Williamsburg, William & Mary, Williamsburg Action, and York James City Williamsburg NAACP.
2024 Juneteenth Community Event Calendar
YJCW NAACP JUNETEENTH COMMUNITY FEST AT FREEDOM PARK
Saturday, June 15 | 1-5 p.m.
Join the NAACP and James City County at America’s First Free Black Settlement in honor of Juneteenth. Enjoy live music, readings, performances and a presentation on the history of Juneteenth in Freedom Park. Local vendors and food will be on-site for purchase. Free admission. Located at 5537 Centerville Road.
YORK COUNTY JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION AT MCREYNOLDS ATHLETIC COMPLEX
Saturday, June 15 | 3-5 p.m.
This fun, alcohol-free and family-friendly event brings the community together to enjoy guest speakers, special presentations, performances, family activities, food trucks, vendors, and more. Enjoy music by community favorite The SLAPNATION Band at 6 p.m. and a Movie in the Park starting at sunset. Free admission. Located at 412 Sports Way, Yorktown. For more information, visit yorkcounty.gov/parksandrec
JUNETEENTH SUNRISE SERVICE AT THE COMPTON OAK
Sunday, June 16 | 6-7 a.m.
To commemorate the triumphant spirit of the African American journey, the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation will host its second annual Juneteenth Sunrise Service at the majestic Compton Oak, a landmark tree symbolizing life, endurance, shelter, and joy. Special keynote address by world-renowned poet and writer Nikki Giovanni. Free admission. For more information, visit colonialwilliamsburg.org
PRELUDE TO JUNETEENTH: THE EMANCIPATION PROCLAMATION ON THE VIRGINIA PENINSULA
Sunday, June 16 | 3-4:30 p.m.
Juneteenth’s roots are in Galveston, Texas, where in June of 1865 the Emancipation Proclamation was finally shared with some of the last enslaved people to hear they had been freed. However, the Proclamation’s first reading in a Southern state was on the Virginia Peninsula, in the city of Hampton in 1863. This program reflects on this history, exploring the strategy and complications, and the joys and challenges, of ending chattel slavery on the Virginia Peninsula and throughout the United States. Free admission. Advance registration recommended. Located at Jamestown Settlement. More info at jyfmuseums.org/events/programs-activities/juneteenth
MASTER BLACKSMITH DARRYL REEVES, KORINA ROCA & JONN HANKINSPANEL DISCUSSION AT THE HENNAGE AUDITORIUM
Monday, June 17 | 1-2 p.m.
Join us for a special panel discussion featuring Master Blacksmith Darryl Reeves, his apprentice, Karina Roca, and the New Orleans Master Crafts Guild Co-Founder and CEO Jonn Hankins. Moderated by CWF Master Blacksmith, Ken Schwartz. Admission ticket required. For more information, visit colonialwilliamsburg.org
COMMUNITY QUILT WORKSHOP AT BRUTON HEIGHTS EDUCATION CENTER
Monday, June 17 | 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Join us for a special hands-on workshop conducted by Steve Prince, Director of Engagement and Distinguished Artist in Residence at the Muscarelle Museum of Art at W&M. Participants will be guided through the process of creating faux patchwork narrative quilt sections that will be added to the Williamsburg Community Quilt. Free admission. Located at 301 First St.
W&M JUNETEENTH COMMEMORATION AT THE SADLER CENTER — CHESAPEAKE ROOMS
Tuesday, June 18 | 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
While Juneteenth celebrates freedom, it also highlights community, education and achievement in the African American community. Join William & Mary to recognize Juneteenth with performers, vendors, and more. Free admission. Learn more at wm.edu/sites/juneteenth
MASTER BLACKSMITH DARRYL REEVES, KORINA ROCA, JONN HANKINS
RESIDENCY WITH CW TRADES
Tuesday, June 18 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Join us at the Public Armory for talks and demonstrations by Master Blacksmith Darryl Reeves, a third-generation metal worker from New Orleans’ Seventh Ward and apprentice Korina Roca. Admission ticket required. For more information, visit colonialwilliamsburg.org
PORTRAYING THE ANCESTORS — SHELIA ARNOLD LED PANEL DISCUSSION AT THE HENNAGE AUDITORIUM
Tuesday, June 18 | 1-2 p.m.
Join us for an insightful panel discussion where we delve into the complexities and challenges of portraying enslaved women in historical narratives. Moderated by Sheila Arnold. Admission ticket required. For more information, visit colonialwilliamsburg.org
THE VILLAGE INITIATIVE IN EDUCATION EQUITY JUNETEENTH FREEDOM CELEBRATION AT THE WILLIAMSBURG COMMUNITY BUILDING
Wednesday, June 19 | 1-7 p.m.
Community celebration featuring a parade, live music, ceremonies, free food, food trucks, children’s activities, Black-owned vendors, the crowning of Little Miss and Mister Juneteenth, and more. Free admission. Located at 401 N. Boundary St. For more information, visit villagewjcc.org
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation Events for June 19
The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation will be offering free admission on Wednesday, June 19 in observance of Juneteenth. For information go to colonialwilliamsburg.org/juneteenth
Special highlights include:
Albert Durant Photography at Bruton Heights | 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Join community members and the staff of the John D. Rockefeller Jr. Library at the Lane Auditorium to see a short vodcast that introduces Albert Durant, Williamsburg’s first Black city-licensed photographer, and the Albert Durant Photography Collection. Located at 301 First Street.
Darryl Reeves: Master Blacksmith | 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Join us on Juneteenth at the Public Armory for talks and demonstrations by Master Blacksmith Darryl Reeves, a third-generation metal worker and owner of Andrew’s Welding & Blacksmith Shop in New Orleans’ Seventh Ward. Located at the Public Armory.
Walking Tour: Bray School Community | 10:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., & 3:30 p.m.
This one-hour walking tour will take you to several key sites connected to Virginia’s first official school for African Americans while also examining the ongoing legacy of the Bray School in today’s world. Starting at the Taliaferro-Cole Stable, Nassau Street.
Visit with a Nation Builder: Gowan Pamphlet | 11 a.m.
Step into the past with Gowan Pamphlet, revolutionary Black Baptist preacher. Through stories and questions, explore the hopes, choices, and challenges he faced.Located at the Governor’s Palace Stage.
Answer the Call Drum Circle | 11:30 a.m.-noon
Much of African Music is based on call and response. The drum is the first to announce itself and send a message bringing the community together. As the drum calls, the community is expected to respond by playing back to the drummer or hollering out by voice. How will you answer the call? Located at the St. George Tucker House.
Permission to Be Free with Shelia Arnold | 1-2 p.m.
Join Sheila Arnold on an extraordinary storytelling journey as she invites you to embrace the power of hope, resilience, and the unyielding desire for freedom. Give yourself permission to be moved, inspired, and ultimately, free. Located at the Hennage Auditorium.
God is My Rock | 3-3:35 p.m.
Gowan Pamphlet, an enslaved man and popular local preacher, offers his perspective on slavery, religion, and freedom. With the context of the Great Awakening, this story tells the life of Pastor Gowan Pamphlet and Old Paris, a first-generation Ibo African. Located at the Hennage Auditorium.
WILLIAMSBURG LIVE — ART MUSEUMS LAWN
Friday, June 21 — Sunday, June 23
Virginia Arts Festival brings three days and nights of music to the lawn of the Art Museums with this music festival experience. Co-presented with the City of Williamsburg and the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation and funded in part by the City of Williamsburg and the Williamsburg Area Arts Commission.
THIRD ANNUAL JOURNEY TO RACIAL HEALING CEREMONY
This year’s ceremony will be a day of reflection, education, and unity, as we hear from descendants of Confederate General Robert E. Lee. It will be an opportunity to come together as a community and learn about their journey to racial healing, enjoy refreshments, and view the Juneteenth Art exhibit. Don’t miss out on this impactful community event! Seats are limited — Reserve here. Located at the Stryker Center.
COMING TO THE TABLE HISTORIC TRIANGLE — JUNETEENTH AFTER PARTY
Tuesday, June 25 | 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Join a virtual meeting to discuss the significance of Juneteenth and share thoughts and suggestions about Williamsburg events. To register for this meeting, email ctt.historictriangle@gmail.com.
To learn more about Juneteenth and the Juneteenth Community Consortium, visit juneteenthcc.org.