Juneteenth events: Celebrate in Petersburg, Prince George, Hopewell, Chesterfield
TRI-CITIES — Juneteenth, a federal holiday since June 2021, is this upcoming Monday, and celebrations are in full bloom. Also known as Jubilee Day, Emancipation Day, Freedom Day, Juneteenth Independence Day and Black Independence Day, Juneteenth celebrates the emancipation of enslaved Black people in the United States.
Slavery had been outlawed by President Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation on Jan. 1, 1863. However, many enslavers continued to hold enslaved Black people captive after the announcement. On June 19, 1865, federal troops stormed into Galveston, Texas to take control of the state and ensure that all enslaved people were freed.
A variety of Juneteenth events will be held in the Tri-Cities area including Petersburg, Hopewell, Prince George and Chesterfield.
Petersburg: Juneteenth 'A Summer Celebration of Culture'
Motivating Other Voices Everywhere [M.O.V.E.], a Virginia State University organization, will host its 4th annual Juneteenth celebration on Pocahontas Island this Saturday, June 17 from 3 - 7 p.m.
At the celebration, the late Richard Stewart, who was known as the "Mayor of Pocahontas Island," will be remembered for his indelible, unmatched and inspiring legacy to the city of Petersburg. Thousands of locals and Petersburg visitors toured his Black History Museum on Pocahontas Island.
As a token of love and to give back to the community, M.O.V.E. invites people to 701 Logan St. on Pocahontas Island to enjoy free food and live entertainment.
Petersburg: Juneteenth celebration 'Hosting the Follies'
The Juneteenth celebration "Hosting the Follies" presented by Petersburg Communities Inc. in partnership with the city of Petersburg is Saturday, June 17 from 6 - 11 p.m. Entertainment at the family-friendly event for all ages includes music, dancing and comedy.
The lives of two Petersburg natives will be celebrated by presenting a Marva Hicks and a Joe Jefferson Award to two of the performers who share their talents that evening. There will also be a surprise salute to another Petersburg icon.
The 'We Are One'-themed event created to bring families together will be held at Old Towne Civic Center at 136 River St. Doors open at 5 p.m. To purchase a $10 ticket, visit eventbrite.com or contact 804-943-9227.
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Petersburg: Juneteenth party 'House of Culture'
Furnace Neapolitan Pizza and “Haus of Kaffee” will host a Juneteenth celebration at Beaunuts Donuts in Old Towne on Friday, June 16 from 7 - 10 p.m. At the “House of Culture” party there will be sounds by DJ Stew, retail vendors, pizza, gelatos, donuts and beer.
Live music starts at 8 p.m. There will be performances by local music artists Skuzii, Shima Elle Green, Emanuel, Tim Turner [saxophone solo] and A1 Karter with Jay Carter.
You are invited to the Juneteenth celebration at Beaunuts located at 404 N. Sycamore St. in Petersburg.
Prince George: Farmers Market Juneteenth Celebration
On Saturday, the Prince George Farmers Market will hold a special afternoon market with a Juneteenth celebration. In addition to the normal market vendors, the Market will feature a special ceremony and live music for the community.
The market hours will be from 1:00 - 5:00 p.m. Opening ceremonies will begin at 1:15 p.m. Rev. Dr. J. Alfred Reid will offer an invocation followed by a keynote address and Bernard Walker will sing “Lift Every Voice." Carol Farmer will hold a special story time at 11 a.m.
After the opening ceremonies, there will be live music. The music lineup will be recording artist Taesean Blanding starting at 1:45 p.m. followed by recording artist TiffanySherice and NBC’s “The Voice” Terry “TSoul” Pinkard.
The Prince George Farmers Market is located at 6380 Scott Memorial Park. Follow PG Farmers Market on Facebook for more information.
Hopewell: Juneteenth Freedom Festival
Hopewell celebrates Juneteenth with the Hopewell Juneteenth Freedom Festival, a fun and free event for the entire family on Saturday, June 17. Enjoy live music performances, cultural rituals and celebrations.
Birthed in Downtown Hopewell, the First Friday Freedom Open Mic Team returns with spoken word performances by local poets and writers along with interactive history lessons.
Festival goers will enjoy delicious eats and treats from the area's favorite food trucks and local vendors.
Recent Juneteenth celebrations in Hopewell began circa 2006 under the leadership of Rebecca Rose who organized the annual festival through 2016. In continuation of the tradition began by Rose, with sponsorship and support from the city of Hopewell and various community partners, KMOSS Presents has organized Juneteenth in Hopewell since 2019.
The Tri-Cities and surrounding areas are cordially invited to celebrate Juneteenth down by the river in beautiful City Park from noon to 6 pm. at 205 Appomattox St. in Hopewell.
Chesterfield: Pocahontas State Park 'Group Camp 7' van tour
On Monday, June 19, in recognition of Juneteenth, join the Pocahontas State Park staff on a van trip, through the forest, to "Group Camp 7." Discover one of the most beautiful areas of the park.
Learn why the camp was once segregated, how it appeared, and what purposes it served. This tour will be of particular interest to those who want to gain a deeper understanding of Black church history as it unfolded in Virginia's largest state park. The program is suitable for ages eight and up.
Reservations are required since space is limited. The event takes place from 9 - 10 a.m. and 3 - 4 p.m. on Juneteenth in the Bright Hope Equestrian Area at Pocahontas State Park at 10301 State Park Road. The parking fee is $10 and admission is free. For more information and to register call 804-914-4020 or email pocahontasvolunteer@dcr.virginia.gov.
Visit chesterfield.gov/Juneteenth for more Juneteenth events in Chesterfield.
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This article originally appeared on The Progress-Index: Juneteenth events: Petersburg, Hopewell, Prince George, Chesterfield
