Juneteenth Celebration
Juneteenth (short for “June Nineteenth”) marks the day when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas in 1865 to proclaim that all enslaved people were free. The troops’ arrival came a full two and a half years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. Juneteenth is our country’s second independence day and honors the end to slavery in the United States. On June 17, 2021, it officially became a federal holiday.
All throughout the month of June, Catawba County agencies and organizations will commemorate Juneteenth with celebrations, performances, parades, guest speakers, revival, resource fairs, informative programing, and family gatherings. It is a time for reflection and rejoicing. It is a time for empowerment and excellence. It is a time for community and togetherness. Please join in the celebration by participating in the events listed below, click on each tab for event details by date.
*For more information about the Catawba County Juneteenth Collaborative contact Candi Dula@ candidula@catawbcountync.gov
Lets Talk About It: Juneteenth with NAACP Hickory| 6pm-7pm
Ridgeview Branch Library| 706 1st SW, Hickory, NC 28602
Join us to learn about Juneteenth and enjoy in-depth conversations with members of the community. There will be a short film viewing followed by discussion and light refreshments.
Town of Catawba| 2pm-6pm
David Hunsucker Park| 3rd Avenue NE, Catawba, NC 28609
Celebrate Juneteenth with the Town of Catawba at our family-friendly event in the park! Bring the whole family for a day filled with fun, food, music, games and festivities.
Lets Talk About It: Juneteenth with NAACP Hickory| 6pm-7pm
Patrick Beaver Memorial Library| 375 3rd St NE, Hickory, NC 28601
Join us to learn about Juneteenth and enjoy in-depth conversations with members of the community. There will be a short film viewing followed by discussion and light refreshments.
Clacking Fan Design| 6pm-7pm
Ridgeview Branch Library| 706 1st SW, Hickory, NC 28602
Join us at Ridgeview Library for a Clacking Fan Design program inspired by the viral trail ride line dance anthem Boots On The Ground. Participants will create and customize their own stylish clacking fans. Don't miss out!
Saddle Up with Conover Juneteenth| 5pm-9pm
Conover City Park| 361 5th Ave Se, Conover, NC 28613
Join us for a family-friendly Juneteenth celebration hosted by the Southwest Community Watch! Enjoy live performances by N-Spire and GMRV, delicious food, exciting games and vendors. Plus, explore the Catawba County Library to Go for engaging activities and resources. Come together with neighbors and friends for a day of fun, unity, and commemoration of freedom and equality.
Juneteenth Festival| 5:30pm-9pm
Samuel Davis Multipurpose Field| 730 3rd St SW, Hickory, NC 28602
Celebrate Juneteenth with the whole family featuring live performances by Baby Black, delicious food trucks, joyful dancing, and valuable community resources. Don't miss the electrifying Greek step show showcasing the talent and unity of our local Divine 9 Fraternities and Sororities. Join us for a day filled with music, food, culture, and camaraderie as we honor freedom and diversity together.
Trail Ride Line Dance with Maria| 6pm-7pm
Ridgeview Branch Library| 706 1st SW, Hickory, NC 28602
Saddle up and step in time at Ridgeview Library’s Trail Ride Line Dance Program! Whether you're a seasoned dancer or just getting started, grab your boots, bring your energy and come learn the smooth steps that bring the trail ride culture to life.
3rd Annual Juneteenth Community Read and Book Discussion| 6pm-7pm
Southwest Branch Library| 2944 S Hwy 127, Hickory, NC 28602
Transformative and breathtakingly honest, The American Queen is based on actual events that occurred between 1865 - 1889 and shares the unsung history of a Black woman who built a kingdom in Appalachia as a refuge for the courageous people who dared to dream of a different way of life. Light refreshments provided.
3rd Annual Juneteenth Community Read and Book Discussion| 6pm-7pm
Sherrills Ford Branch Library| 9154 Sherrills Ford Rd, Terrell, NC 28682
Transformative and breathtakingly honest, The American Queen is based on actual events that occurred between 1865 - 1889 and shares the unsung history of a Black woman who built a kingdom in Appalachia as a refuge for the courageous people who dared to dream of a different way of life. Light refreshments provided.
3rd Annual Juneteenth Community Read and Book Discussion| 6pm-7pm
Newton Main Library| 115 West C St, Newton, NC 28658
Transformative and breathtakingly honest, The American Queen is based on actual events that occurred between 1865 - 1889 and shares the unsung history of a Black woman who built a kingdom in Appalachia as a refuge for the courageous people who dared to dream of a different way of life. Light refreshments provided.
Freedom Day Storytime| 10am
Ridgeview Branch Library| 706 1st SW, Hickory, NC 28602
Celebrate Juneteenth with a community-led story time. Bring your family and friends to enjoy stories, music, dancing, and crafts as we celebrate the freedom accomplished and the freedom to come!
Juneteenth Big Block Party| 5pm-9pm
Downtown Newton| 30 N College Ave, Newton, NC 28658
A Juneteenth celebration featuring the sweet sounds of the legendary group Carolina Soul Band.
Juneteenth Praise and Worship Celebration| 12pm-3pm
Brown Penn Recreation Center|735 3rd St. SW, Hickory, NC 28602
Praise and Worship service hosted by the Greater Hickory Ministerial Alliance. The keynote speaker will be Rev. Diane Conley and the Hickory Community Choir will bring their ministry of music to the celebration. After the program a covered dish dinner will be provided by our member churches. All are welcome to join us!
African American Geneaology Resource Workshop| 11am-12pm
6pm-Newton Main Library| 115 West C St, Newton, NC 28658
Join us for a special African American Genealogy Resource Workshop! Learn how to trace your family history using specialized research tools, historical records, and expert guidance. Whether you're just starting your journey or breaking through brick walls, this workshop will provide valuable resources to help uncover your ancestors' stories.
Jive After Five Juneteenth| 5:00pm-8:30pm
Downtown Maiden
Get ready to groove at Jive After Five - Maiden's family-friendly Juneteenth event! Join us for live performances, indulge in tasty treats from local food trucks and vendors, and keep the little ones entertained with exciting activities. Come together with friends and neighbors for an evening of music, food, and fun as we commemorate Juneteenth in style!