CHARLOTTE, N.C. — As some communities across the country scale back or cancel celebrations tied to diversity, equity and inclusion, organizers in Charlotte are standing firm in their commitment to honoring Juneteenth.
The Juneteenth Festival of the Carolinas, now in its 28th year, is said to be the longest-running celebration of its kind in the southeast.
Held in Plaza Midwood, the four-day event honors African culture, while spotlighting Juneteenth's history dating back to June 19, 1865, when enslaved people in Texas were informed of their freedom.
Pape Ndiaye runs the House of Africa business, which is also home for the Juneteenth Festival.
Ndiaye founded the Charlotte Juneteenth event, sometime after relocating to the United States from West Africa.
“Our aim was not to recreate the past but to share in the spirit of freedom and togetherness,” Ndiaye said. “My grandmother used to say when you travel you need to get a direction — culture and heritage are the only direction that can help you move forward.”“Our aim was not to recreate the past but to share in the spirit of freedom and togetherness,” Ndiaye said. “My grandmother used to say when you travel you need to get a direction — culture and heritage are the only direction that can help you move forward.”
Events like Juneteenth hold huge significance for those trying to protect its history.
Earlier this year, The Associated Press confirmed a federal memo, that revealed certain federally recognized holidays, including Juneteenth and Martin Luther King Jr. Day, might not be supported by some government agencies.
Since then, some communities in the U.S. have pulled back support for festivities and events traditionally held during June, including those celebrating Pride Month.
While some events across the nation may be fading, Charlotte’s celebration is marching forward.
Ndiaye said this year’s festival is expected to draw around 10,000 people throughout the weekend festivities. It features live entertainment, vendors and a youth culture camp focused on educating children about African traditions and history.
“We believe that the children are our future,” Ndiaye said. “So every year we start with the children’s culture camp.”
Akinyomi Courtney traveled from Atlanta to participate in the festival’s drum circle. He said the celebration is about more than music — it’s about heritage.
“The representation of who we are, our freedom, and where we’re going,” Courtney said. “You have to know your past to know your future.”
The Juneteenth Festival of the Carolinas continues through Sunday.
The official Juneteenth holiday is recognized annually on June 19.
Celebrations are planned across North Carolina, including events in Raleigh and Winston-Salem.
