20th Annual NC Juneteenth Celebration Honors 160 Years of Freedom with Four Powerful Events
DURHAM, NC — In a powerful celebration of freedom, resilience, and community, the 20th Annual North Carolina Juneteenth Celebration will bring four distinct events to the Triangle region this June. What began two decades ago as a grassroots cultural gathering has now grown into a movement—a powerful fusion of tradition, education, and economic empowerment.
Held during the 160th anniversary of Juneteenth (1865–2025), this year’s celebration is produced by Spectacular Magazine and the Triangle Cultural Awareness Foundation in partnership with key cultural institutions and community leaders. Events take place June 2 through June 21 across Durham and Raleigh, honoring Black history while investing in Black futures. The North Carolina Juneteenth Celebration is led by Phyllis Coley, founder of Spectacular Magazine and the NC Juneteenth State Director under the National Juneteenth Observance Foundation (NJOF).
June 2 | Juneteenth Flag Raising
Durham County Courthouse | 11:00 AM
The celebration begins with the ceremonial raising of the Juneteenth Flag, a visual tribute to freedom and pride. The program includes the reading of the three Freedom Documents, remarks from community leaders, and a presentation by Buffalo Soldier re-enactors alongside the Durham County Sheriff Honor Guard.
June 19 | Juneteenth at Shaw University
Shaw University Campus, Raleigh | 11:00 AM
For the first time in school history, Shaw University—the oldest historically Black college in the South—will host a Juneteenth celebration on its campus. The event will include:
- Inspirational speakers
- Artistic performances
- Reading of the Freedom Documents
- Juneteenth Flag Raising
(A private, invitation-only event will be held later that evening.)
June 20 | First-Ever Juneteenth Gospel Concert at Hayti – “Let My People Sing”
Hayti Heritage Center, Durham | 7:00 PM
In a milestone moment, the Juneteenth Gospel Concert will be held for the first time at the historic Hayti Heritage Center—coinciding with the institution’s 50th anniversary in 2025.
The concert will showcase North Carolina-based gospel artists, blending praise, heritage, and celebration. It will also include the presentation of the “Keeper of the Gospel” Awards, recognizing those who have helped preserve the rich legacy of gospel music rooted in the Black American experience.
June 21 | 20th Annual NC Juneteenth Festival
Latham Surface Lot, North Carolina Central University Campus | 1:00 PM – 8:00 PM
The NC Juneteenth Festival returns to the NCCU campus, building on the energy and success of last year’s celebration. Hosted at the Latham Surface Lot, this outdoor, family-friendly festival offers something for everyone, including:
- Live performances from all NC-based talent
- A vibrant, diverse vendor marketplace featuring fashion, crafts, food, art, books, accessories, wellness products, and more
- Kids’ Zone with games, face painting, and fun activities
- Health fair and wellness resources
- Fashion Show spotlighting NC-based designers
- Cultural exhibits & interactive community spaces
- VIP & Sponsor Lounge
“Juneteenth is about economics, too. Slavery created wealth through free labor. Our celebration is about reclaiming that legacy by putting money back into our communities,” said Phyllis Coley, NC Juneteenth State Director and founder of Spectacular Magazine. “That’s why we are booking 100% North Carolina-based talent, vendors, and businesses. We are rich in talent—and we’re keeping those dollars right here at home.”
A Festival for Everyone
“This year, we’ve truly got something for everyone,” said Lawrence Davis, Festival Director. “We’ve hand-selected a lineup of incredible performers, curated a diverse vendor marketplace, added health resources, a Kids’ Zone, a fashion show, and more. Whether you’re coming for the music, the message, or the marketplace—this celebration is built to uplift our entire community.”
From Recognition to Action: 20 Years of Progress
This year’s celebration also honors a significant milestone: the federal recognition of Juneteenth in 2021. “We worked alongside the National Juneteenth Observance Foundation (NJOF) for years to push this movement forward,” said Coley. “This 20th anniversary is more than symbolic. It’s about honoring our past and continuing the work of building a liberated, empowered future.”
Celebrate the Legacy. Support the Future.
All public events of the 20th Annual Juneteenth Celebration are free and open to the public, with the exception of the private invitation-only event on June 19.
For event details, vendor opportunities, or sponsorship information, visit www.spectacularmag.com/juneteenth.
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