Juneteenth Freedom Celebrations

Juneteenth Freedom Celebrations are happening across the Conference on June 19th. Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. From its Galveston, Texas origin in 1865, the observance of June 19th as the African American Emancipation Day has spread across the United States and beyond. In churches across our Conference, people of all races are joining hands to truthfully acknowledge a period in our history that shaped and continues to influence our society today. Find a Juneteenth celebration near you and join with Americans across the nation as we tell the stories of our past and celebrate the hope that comes through freedom!

*If your church or community is hosting a Juneteenth celebration, we'd love to add it to the list! Send an email to Aimee Yeager with the details.

Metro District:
Charlotte - The Place UMC, 3835 West W. T. Harris Blvd. from 1:30-5:30 p.m. -  Outdoor live worship at 1:30 p.m. followed by music, food, and fun. COVID-19 vaccines will also be available from 3-5:30 p.m. All participants who receive the vaccine will be entered in a drawing for $10,000! Register to receive your COVID-19 vaccination here. Learn more about this event at theplaceumc.org.

Davidson - Ada Jenkins Center, 212 Gamble Street, Davidson from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. - Join us for this free celebration including student presentations, spoken word poetry, dance, keynote reflections, music and entertainment, food truck, children's activities, and more! Free lunch provided for the first 200 people to stop by the Welcome Tent. Learn more about this event and the Ada Jenkins Center. 

Smoky Mountain District:
Lake Junaluska - Lake Junaluska Conference & Retreat Center, 91 North Lakeshore Drive from  2-6 p.m. - Worship begins at 2:00 p.m. The Rev. Dr. Stephanie Moore Hand will deliver a keynote address; acclaimed storyteller and historical interpreter, Novella Nimmo, from the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Cincinnati, Ohio, will share re-enactments of the harsh realities of slavery; and local clergy and gifted musicians will lead in a powerful and celebratory worship experience. After worship, the community is invited to party on the grounds (3:00 – 6:00 p.m.) with food trucks, inflatables, horseshoes and cornhole, vendors and exhibits, dancing, and family fun. Learn more.

Uwharrie District:
Marshville - Downtown on Main Street from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. - Join us for activities, performances, food, and local vendors - Download a flyer for the event.

Find a list of Juneteenth Celebrations across the state from the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.