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.
Beginning mid May-June 19th, 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.
2nd Annual Juneteenth Book Discussion| 6pm-7pm
6pm-Newton Main Library| 115 West C St, Newton, NC 28658
In honor of the Freedom we all cherish, and to celebrate the work of African American authors who continue to help shape our culture, we’re hosting a discussion of James McBride’s The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store, a “Best book of 2023 at NPR,” as well as an Instant New York Times Bestseller. Light refreshments provided.
Lets Talk About It: Juneteenth with NAACP Catawba County| 6pm-7pm
6pm-Newton Main Library| 115 West C St, Newton, NC 28658
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. For more information, please call 828-465-9494.
Lets Talk About It: Juneteenth with NAACP Catawba County| 6pm-7pm
6pm-Conover Public Library| 403 Conover Station Southeast, Conover, NC 28613
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. For more information, please call 828-465-9494.
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.
L.A.T.E. Night Thursday | Juneteenth: An Opening Night | 6pm-8pm
Hickory Museum of Art-Salt Block| 243 3rd Ave NE, Hickory, NC 28601
Join us for HMA's opening night celebration of Juneteenth in Catawba County! Immerse yourself in a vibrant evening of art, music, and community as we celebrate our diverse community with live performances, curated art collections, and delectable refreshments.
Please click the link to RSVP this free event https://www.hickoryart.org/events/juneteenth2024
Town of Catawba: Celebrating Catawba's Rosenwald Legacy| 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. Our special guest speaker Grover Linebarger will shed light on the significance of the historic Catawba Rosenwald school, a beacon of education and empowerment in our community.
Juneteenth in Conover Park| 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.
Juneteenth March Sign Making Program| 6pm-8pm
Newton Main Library| 115 West C St, Newton, NC 28658
Join us at the library for an empowering event where you can create signs for the upcoming Juneteenth Freedom March. We'll provide all the supplies you need to craft your message of unity and celebration, as we commemorate freedom and equality for all.
City of Newton Juneteenth Music On Main| 5pm-8pm
Downtown Newton| 30 N College Ave, Newton, NC 28658
A Juneteenth celebration featuring the sweet sounds of the legendary group Carolina Soul Band.
Jive After Five Juneteenth| 6:00pm-9pm
Downtown Maiden
Get ready to groove at Jive After Five - Maiden's family-friendly Juneteenth event! Join us for live performances by the Ace Party Band, 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!
City of Newton Juneteenth Freedom March| 10am
Newton Downtown Courthouse| 30 N College Ave, Newton, NC 28658
March begins in front of the Newton Downtown Courthouse.
NOAHSLAW 2nd Annual Juneteenth Freedom Day| 10am-3pm
Murray Sports Complex| 908 4th Street SW Conover
Celebrate Juneteenth with your family! Enjoy food trucks and lots of vendors.
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!
2nd Annual Juneteenth Book Discussion| 6pm-7pm
6pm-Southwest Branch Library| 2944 S Hwy 127, Hickory, NC 28602
In honor of the Freedom we all cherish, and to celebrate the work of African American authors who continue to help shape our culture, we’re hosting a discussion of James McBride’s The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store, a “Best book of 2023 at NPR,” as well as an Instant New York Times Bestseller.
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 Herman Sipe Lunch & Library| 11:30am-1pm
Business parking lot|111 Herman Sipe Rd, Conover, 28612
Come for activities related to Juneteenth, including a storytime and a craft. Stay for a meal provided by The Corner Table Community Kitchen. For kids of all ages.