15th Annual NC Juneteenth Celebration Coming To Downtown Durham June 15th
Durham, NC – The 15th Annual North Carolina Juneteenth Celebration, free and open to the public, with activities geared toward family participation, community unification and good old fashioned fun, will be held on Saturday, June 15th on E. Main Street in downtown Durham. Organized by Spectacular Magazine, this fun-filled, educational, and uplifting event kicks off with the official Opening Ceremony, sponsored by Durham 150, that includes songs, prayer, pouring of the libation and presentations on the origin and significance of Juneteenth.
Food was abundant because everyone prepared a special dish. Meats such as lamb, pork and beef which were not available every day were brought on this special occasion. A true Juneteenth celebration left visitors well satisfied and with enough conversation to last until the next. The 15th annual NC Juneteenth Celebration will be no different. The best Food Trucks in the area and beyond will offer a variety of food choices.
Vendors sell an array of African and African-American clothing, art and artifacts, specialty items, crafts and other items in the Marketplace. The Kids Zone, sponsored by Go Durham and powered by Bull City Inflatables, has bounce houses, obstacle course, dry slide, face painting, crafts, and other fun, educational, activities and information.
Understanding slavery’s legacy on the health of African Americans, the Health Fair includes blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and HIV screenings. Medical professionals from area health centers and hospitals are available for one-on-one consultations and to provide information. Coordinated by Spectacular Magazine Health Reporter Santisha Walker, RN, of Walker Group Health & Wellness and the Health Fair is sponsored by Duke Health. Organizations will have booths to inform the men, women, youth, and families of services (mentoring, tutoring, mental health, substance abuse, job services, etc.) and activities (summer camp, day camp, after school, athletic teams, etc.) available in Durham and surrounding areas. Experts in their respective fields provide information, activities, and demonstrations.
The Juneteenth Fashion Show, powered by KroCia LLC, will feature African prints and evening wear both symbolic of the first Juneteenth celebration. Coordinators are Sharon Decoster (owner – The Decoster Agency) and Spectacular Magazine Fashion Reporter Gillian Shaw. Tameka Nichole will be the commentator. Dress was also an important element in early Juneteenth customs. During slavery, there were laws on the books in many areas that prohibited or limited the dressing of the enslaved. During the initial days of the emancipation celebrations, there are accounts of former slaves tossing their ragged garments into the creeks and rivers to adorn clothing taken from the plantations belonging to their former ‘masters.’
Entertainment coming to the stage, sponsored by Americans for Prosperity Foundation & Americans for Prosperity, are both national recording artists and local performers. Hosted by Comedian D’Wissh, get ready to party with this year’s headliner J-Stylz of Black Street (“No Diggity”, “Joy”). G. Yamazawa (“North Cack”) is in from California talking about “Carolina barbecue sauce with the slaw.” Durham’s own J. Gunn will perform Durham-themed songs during his set as a homage to Durham’s 150th anniversary. Tha Materials rock with their neo-soul and hip-hop groove. The Messengers of Soul will bring you all your favorite blues and R&B tunes. Project 919 Band has that ‘go-go’ for you. Gospel artist Carolyn Satterfield has something for the spirit. DJ Fatz will keep the party going!
Some of the other performers this year are:
- Segment presented by K97.5 that will include performances by Tesh I Am, L’Vitto, Marley Maxx, JaseLVO, Tiyane, and O.Shariff. Comedians Dink Kearney and Big Daddy Laughalot will have you laughing. Pennys Make Dollars, Motiv8 Dancers, JT MakeMoves, Epic Cheer and Chosen By Christ Ministries round out the entertainment.
The Juneteenth Celebration will kick off with an All White Party on Thursday, June 13th hosted and sponsored by American Underground. Allie Capo will perform and a documentary on Plantations in Durham will be premiered. There will be networking, food, cash bar, door prizes, and recognition of sponsors.
Sponsors of the 15th Annual NC Juneteenth Celebration are Americans for Prosperity Foundation, Go Durham, Foxy 107/104, K97.5, Durham County, Americans for Prosperity, Durham 150, M&F Bank, UNC Center for Civil Rights, City of Durham, Duke Energy, The Light 103.9 and American Underground.
The 15th Annual NC Juneteenth Celebration will bring a multitude of organizations and citizens into the community together in an effort to foster connections that will empower and uplift the community. For more information, visit www.spectacularmag.com/juneteenth