Juneteenth events: Walking parade in Greenville, gala, and fashion show in Spartanburg

by HERE News

Juneteenth, the oldest Black holiday in the United States, celebrates the freedom and emancipation of enslaved Black people in America. As communities across the state and nation gather to celebrate, the name resonates with every echo of joy and unity. The name Juneteenth refers to June 19, 1865, when enslaved Black people learned about their newfound freedom in Galveston, Texas, more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation.

Here in South Carolina’s Upstate, people are commemorating the holiday in many ways. Various events are marking the federal holiday, officially recognized on June 17, 2021, when President Joe Biden signed the bill turning this long-celebrated day into a federal occasion.

FREEDOM RIDE CAR & BIKE SHOW

A Freedom Ride Car & Bike Show will light up Simpsonville on Wednesday, June 19. This event that runs between 5 and 9 p.m at 931 Garrison Road will feature motorcycle convoys, muscle cars, music, food trucks, games for children, and more, spinning together into an exciting spectacle of the strength in diversity, unity, and shared heritage and culture.

WALKING PARADE IN GREENVILLE

Greenville is hosting the city’s third annual event that presents a walking parade along the Swamp Rabbit Trail. The event scheduled for June 19 kicks off at 9:30 a.m. with remarks from Gail Wilson Awan of the Urban League of the Upstate and a dance performance at Unity Park. A discussion panel at the Prisma Health Welcome Center at 111 Welborn St., musical performance by Loretta Holloway, and poetry from poet laureate Glenis Redmond are all part of the day’s exciting line-up.

MAULDIN’S FIRST JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION

The city of Mauldin is jumping right in to host its first Juneteenth celebration. The event is all set to create ripples between 2 and 6 p.m. on June 22 at the Mauldin Cultural Center amphitheater located at 101 E. Butler Road. Visitors should expect to be entertained by spoken word performances, gospel music, dance performances and live music accompanied by a market of 25 vendors, educational materials related to Juneteenth, adult beverages, children’s activities, and more.

EDUCATIONAL SEMINAR IN SPARTANBURG

Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church is leading the charge on June 19 with a discussion on race relations and the history and impact of Juneteenth. The seminar slated to run between 6 and 7:45 p.m., is expected to be a robust session that fuses the past, present, and future to explore ways forward in unity, respect, and understanding.

SPARTANBURG JUNETEENTH BEC GALA & FASHION SHOW

An evening that simply redefines elegance, the Spartanburg Juneteenth BEC Gala & Fashion Show, at the Chapman Cultural Center, promises much more than just an awards show. It’s a full-blown gala experience with live music and refreshments that celebrate Juneteenth and Black excellence. This showcase of style and substance will commence at 6:45 and run up until 11 p.m.

All these events and celebrations are a valuable milestone in the continuous journey of progress and resilience. They serve as a testament to America’s constant effort to recognize, respect, and celebrate its vast and varied cultural history and heritage.

For further details on events, tickets, and other specifics, visit the official Spartanburg Juneteenth website.