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Celebrate Juneteenth Around the Commonwealth

Juneteenth (June 19) is right around the corner, with celebrations and events across Virginia.

While we encourage you to check out what’s happening where you live, here are some events of note we think you might enjoy.

Williamsburg

A dozen organizations and nonprofits have formed the Juneteenth Community Consortium, which strives to educate, commemorate and celebrate the end of slavery in America. There is a wide variety of events, including a screening of “History Half Told is UnTold” at First Baptist Church and William & Mary’s first in-person celebration at the site of Hearth: Memorial to the Enslaved. Admission to Colonial Williamsburg, which is featuring several programs, is free on June 19.

Richmond

There will be vendors, food trucks, a kid zone and plenty of entertainment at Henrico County’s Juneteenth Celebration at Dorey Park. A fireworks display will cap the day.

Hampton Roads

Lots of events are taking place all over the region. One to consider is the Juneteenth Festival in Portsmouth June 17-19 that features music, a fashion show and fun for the whole family.

Northern Virginia

There are plenty of things to consider in Washington, D.C., but in Virginia, you can check out family-friendly events at Frying Pan Park in Herndon (free, but requires registration) and on Main Street in Warrenton.

Charlottesville

Among the events in Charlottesville is a program at Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello entitled “Ascendant: The Power of Descendant Communities to Shape Our Stories, Places and Future.” Advance registration is needed for the June 18 program.

Southwest Virginia

Eureka Park in Roanoke is the setting for the 2022 Juneteenth Family Reunion put on by the Roanoke Cultural Collective and Jordan Bell. You can expect plenty of food, music and fun.

Juneteenth originated in Texas in 1866 as a celebration of the emancipation of enslaved people in states across the country following the Civil War. On June 17, 2021, Juneteenth became a federal holiday. The New York Times recently published a helpful explainer on the significance behind the day.

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