Highlights of the 2024 Juneteenth Experiences
The Juneteenth 2024 celebration in Spartanburg brought together our community to honor freedom, celebrate African American culture, and reflect on Black history. Explore the unforgettable experiences that made this event so special.
The Annual Juneteenth Experience
- June 18th, 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm - Black Market Tuesday
On June 18th, 2024, from 5 PM to 9 PM, Spartanburg County kicked off a week of festivities with a special Juneteenth Edition of Black Market Tuesday. This event immersed attendees in a celebration unlike any other, marking the beginning of a vibrant and meaningful week. 🎊✨
- June 19, 6:00 pm - 7:45 pm - Education – Race Seminar
June 19, 2024, The Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church held an impactful Race Seminar and revival featuring an insightful presentation delivered by Keith McDaniel on the book “Black Fortune.” “Black Fortunes” by Shomari Wills tells the remarkable stories of six African Americans who survived slavery and became millionaires in the decades following the Civil War. The book highlights the lives of Mary Ellen Pleasant, Robert Reed Church, O.W. Gurley, Hannah Elias, Annie Turnbo Malone, and Madam C.J. Walker. These pioneering entrepreneurs overcame oppressive obstacles to build wealth through real estate, cosmetics, communications, and more, setting the foundations for civil rights advancements and economic empowerment within the African American community.
- June 21, 6:45 pm - 11:00 pm - Spartanburg Juneteenth Bec Gala
We celebrated an unforgettable evening at the Spartanburg Juneteenth BEC Gala, where we honored the spirit of Juneteenth and supported the small businesses and non-profit organizations that are vital to our community’s prosperity. The festivities began at 6:45 PM with a glamorous red-carpet event, setting the stage for a night of elegance and celebration. The main gala, which started at 8:00 PM, captivated attendees with an impressive lineup of live performances and award presentations.
The celebration didn’t end there. At 9:00 PM, the Gala Party kept the excitement alive. Guests mixed and mingled with fellow attendees, awardees, and performers, enjoying music from DJ Kurious George and experiencing the Runway powered by Carolina Urban Fashion Week. The evening was filled with dancing and refreshments, celebrating both Juneteenth and the contributions of our community’s small business organizations.
Featuring performances by Lia Holman, Khemo, and AVK Dance Studio, the Spartanburg Juneteenth BEC Gala was a true reflection of community spirit and celebration. It was not only a night to remember but also a profound opportunity to learn about the historical significance of Juneteenth and engage with the heart of our community.
- June 23, 3:00 pm - 5:30 pm - Worship – Revival & Black Business Exp
On June 23, 2024, we wrapped up the week’s events with a soulful revival and a Black Business Exp at Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, highlighting spiritual renewal and local entrepreneurship.
BEC Gala
- Saturday, June 21 · 5:30 - 11pm EDT
- Chapman Cultural Center 200 East Saint John Street Spartanburg, SC 29306
- Dress Code: Formal Attire
Join us for an unforgettable evening at the Spartanburg Juneteenth BEC Gala, where we celebrate the spirit of Juneteenth while supporting and empowering the small businesses and non-profit organizations that help make our community thrive.The Experiences begin at 6:45 PM with a glamorous red-carpet event, followed by the main gala starting at 8:00 PM. The gala will feature an incredible lineup of live performances and award presentations.
After the main event, continue celebrating with us at the Gala Party at 9:00 PM, where you can mix and mingle with fellow attendees, awardees, and performers. Enjoy music from DJ Kurious George, Runway Experience powered by Carolina Urban Fashion Week, dancing, and refreshments as we celebrate Juneteenth and the contributions of our community’s small business organizations.
Artist: Lia Holman, Khemo, and AVK Dance Studio
The Spartanburg Juneteenth BEC Gala is the perfect opportunity to show your support for the local community, learn about the importance of Juneteenth, and have an incredible time. Don’t miss out on this memorable evening!
Community Spirit in Spartanburg's Juneteenth Celebration
The 2024 Spartanburg Juneteenth celebration deeply enriched the community spirit, uniting individuals from diverse backgrounds in a week filled with vibrant activities. Key to this gathering were the volunteer-led efforts that ensured a welcoming and inclusive environment for all. Families and individuals of all ages delighted in a variety of games and creative workshops, enhancing joy and promoting self-expression among attendees.
The celebration extended beyond mere entertainment, facilitating significant connections among community members. Opportunities for networking abounded, enabling participants to share their experiences and forge new relationships. Local vendors and non-profits were integral, highlighting their roles within Spartanburg’s lively culture and educating attendees on local resources. These collaborative interactions not only honored the essence of Juneteenth but also reinforced the unity that characterizes Spartanburg as a cohesive and energetic community.
2024 Awardees
- Legal Professional of the Year - Project Rest - Krystal Watson
- Educator of the year - Marquice Clark
- Non profit of the year - sustaining way - Michael Brown
- Healthcare professional of the year - Cierra Kelly
- Unsung hero award - Majorie Jones
- Activist of the year - Bernard Wheeler
- Small business of the year - Ebony Smith - Gold Star Financial
- Next up award - Simone Laurent, Ashley McCollum
- 2024 Legacy Award - Dr. Benjamin Snoddy
Looking Back: The Impact of Juneteenth in Spartanburg
The Spartanburg Juneteenth 2024 celebration was a profound and vibrant series of events that deepened the community’s appreciation for African American culture and history. Kicking off with the Black Market Tuesday and spanning a week filled with engaging activities, the community witnessed an array of enriching experiences. From the insightful race seminar on June 19th to the BEC Gala that showcased local businesses and non-profits, each event was meticulously designed to highlight the rich heritage and resilience of African Americans.
The gala in particular, adorned with red-carpet elegance and crowned with live performances and awards, not only celebrated achievements but also emphasized the spirit of Juneteenth as a beacon of freedom and progress. As the week progressed, the Worship Revival and Black Business Expo on the closing day provided a soul-stirring conclusion, focusing on spiritual renewal and community empowerment.
Throughout the week, these events played a crucial role in fortifying community bonds. By uniting diverse groups under the banner of cultural appreciation and historical reflection, Juneteenth 2024 forged meaningful connections among attendees. The concerted efforts of local volunteers, organizations, and participants underscored a collective commitment to solidarity, respect, and mutual support, paving the way for sustained engagement and a brighter, more inclusive future. This memorable series of events not only honored the past but also set the stage for continued celebration and collaboration in the years to come.