Honoring Freedom: Celebrating Juneteenth

At the YMCA, we believe in equity, inclusion, and the power of community. Each year on June 19, we join in recognizing Juneteenth, also known as Emancipation Day or Freedom Day—the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. Although the Emancipation Proclamation was signed on January 1, 1863, it wasn’t until two and a half years later that enslaved people in Texas finally learned they were free. 

We encourage you to learn more about Juneteenth, reflect on its significance, and consider how you can honor this important day. Together, let’s continue building a more inclusive and unified future.

What is Juneteenth? Learn More>>>

Check out these local events happening in our community to celebrate Juneteenth:

• Thursday, June 19: Juneteenth Breakfast
• 9:30am - 12pm
• Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts, 310 Chestnut St., Wilmington 
• $35 per person

• Friday, June 20: Juneteenth Community Line Dance and Step Show
  • 6:00pm - 8:00pm
  • Martin Luther King Community Center, 401 S. Eighth St., Wilmington
  • Free

• Saturday, June 21: Juneteenth Music Festival
  • 12:00pm - 6:00pm
  • Martin Luther King Community Center, 401 S. Eighth St., Wilmington
  • Free

• Saturday, June 21: Black History Expo
• 12:00pm - 3:00pm
• Martin Luther King Community Center, 401 S. Eighth St., Wilmington
• Free

• Saturday, June 21: Juneteenth Jamboree
• 4:00pm - 9:00pm
• Vue21North, 1002 Chestnut St, Wilmington
• Pay what you can for an all-access wristband

• Saturday, June 27: Ancestry Reveal and the Night of Excellence Celebration
• 5:00pm - 11:00pm
• Burgaw Train Depot, South Dickerson Street, Burgaw
• Free

• Saturday, June 28: Juneteenth Celebration and Gospel Concert
• 10:00am - 4:00pm 
• Pender County Courthouse Square, 100 S. Wright St., Burgaw
• Free

• Saturday, June 28: Soulful Liberation − Juneteenth Through Art and Word
• 2:00pm - 3:30pm 
• Cameron Art Museum, 3201 S. 17th St., Wilmington
• Free

• Sunday, June 29: Miss Juneteenth Pageant
• 3:00pm
• Martin Luther King Community Center, 401 S. Eighth St., Wilmington
• Free