June 22, 2019

2nd Annual Chatham County Juneteenth Celebration

2nd Annual Juneteenth Celebration in Chatham County NC


Chatham Community Library, in partnership with Chatham Organizing for Racial Equity (CORE), is co-sponsoring the 2nd annual Juneteenth celebration on Saturday, June 22, 2019, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Chatham Agricultural & Conference Center, 1192 US Hwy 64 Business, Pittsboro.

Doors open at 10:30 a.m.

This is a free event and open to the public.

There will be a variety of food trucks on site, and the first 400 guests will receive a $5 food truck coupon.

Juneteenth increases understanding and unity concerning slavery and the historic efforts required to abolish it. It brings a strong sense of pride about the commitment that African Americans have made to the betterment of life for their children and grandchildren. The observance will also draw attention to modern-day slavery, such as unlawful child labor and human trafficking, and provide information on how we may work together as a community toward eliminating it.

The 2019 Juneteenth celebration will feature informative talks by historians:

  • Dr. Charles Johnson of NC Central University will speak on “African Civilization Before Slavery”
  • Chatham County Commissioner Dr. James Crawford will present on “The Origins and Trajectory of Slavery in the US”
  • Dr. Arwin Smallwood of North Carolina A&T will discuss “Native Americans, Africans and Slavery in NC”
  • Robin Cleary from NC Coalition Against Sexual Assault will discuss “Human Trafficking in a Historical Context”

The event will also showcase engaging performance artists whose work demonstrates the depth of the African American heritage and the wide range of important contributions that African Americans have made to the state and country:

  • Tryon Palace Jonkonnu Drummers
  • Award-winning actor and author, Mitch Capel
  • Poets
  • Storytellers
  • Musicians

More at the event:

  • Health screenings
  • Information on nutrition
  • Family fitness activities
  • Displays
  • Exhibits

Additionally, “A Child’s World” exhibit will provide learning experiences, crafts and storytelling specifically geared to younger audiences.