Author: Kaytee Smith
Juneteenth, celebrated annually on June 19, marks the day in 1865 when enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, were informed of their freedom. This occurred more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued. As the oldest national commemoration of the end of slavery in the United States, Juneteenth is a time for reflection, education, and celebration. It is also a powerful opportunity to highlight the resilience and contributions of Black communities, both past and present.
This year, the America 250 NC team was proud to participate in two Juneteenth events on June 21. In Raleigh, staff supported the North Carolina African American Heritage Commission’s Songs of Liberation featuring dynamic vocalist and historian Mary D. Williams at NC Freedom Park. Another team traveled with the America 250 Airstream to the Juneteenth Festival in Winston-Salem, hosted by Triad Cultural Arts. Despite the summer heat, both events drew dedicated crowds who were eager to engage, learn, and commemorate.
These events were more than celebrations. They were reminders of how freedom unfolded differently across North Carolina. While Juneteenth marks a significant national milestone, emancipation in our state happened through a patchwork of efforts, dates, and locations.
Liberation in North Carolina: A Closer Look
North Carolina’s story of emancipation is deeply rooted in local history.
Early Emancipation: Freedom celebrations in North Carolina predate Juneteenth. Emancipation Day events began as early as January 1, 1864, with African American communities coming together to honor hard-won freedom.
Paths to Freedom: The Emancipation Proclamation in 1863 opened the door to freedom in coastal towns like Beaufort, New Bern, and Elizabeth City. In April 1865, additional communities witnessed liberation following the surrender of Confederate troops in Durham. U.S. Colored Troops were present for this surrender.
Black Military Service: Nearly 6,000 African American men from North Carolina served in the U.S. Colored Troops during the Civil War. They played a vital role in the fight for freedom across the South.
New Communities, New Futures: After emancipation, freedmen built thriving communities such as Hotel de Afrique, Roanoke Island Freedman’s Colony, and James City in New Bern. These places became beacons of hope and self-determination.
Cultural Legacy: Institutions like Shaw University in Raleigh, the town of Princeville, and St. Peter A.M.E. Zion Church reflect the strength of communities formed in the aftermath of emancipation.
Continuing the Legacy
Some of the earliest Juneteenth festivals in North Carolina began in cities like Rocky Mount, Winston-Salem, Greensboro, and Charlotte. Stagville State Historic Site also has a long tradition of hosting events that reflect on both the pain and the triumph of emancipation.
America 250 NC is committed to elevating these stories as we approach the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding. Juneteenth offers a moment to honor the past while looking ahead. It’s time to amplify the voices that have long shaped our state and country.
As we count down to 2026, let’s continue to learn, reflect, and share stories that remind us the road to liberty is long, but it is built on the strength of generations who never stopped fighting for freedom.