Spartanburg Juneteenth Inc. hosted week-long events to celebrate and commemorate the national holiday.
In Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 1865, enslaved African Americans received the news that they were now free. The emancipation of the former slaves was celebrated with food and gatherings that became known as Juneteenth.
In Spartanburg, events began with Thursday’s Night of Spoken Word at the Chapman Cultural Center. Friday night’s Block Party brought a big crowd downtown. Juneteenth gatherings continued Saturday with a festival at Barnet Park (until 7 p.m.) and Sunday at Cornerstone Baptist Church (begins at 5 p.m.
Juneteenth in Spartanburg:Here’s what to know about Saturday and Sunday’s Juneteenth events.
Night of Spoken Word at Chapman Cultural Center
The Night of Spoken Word was hosted at the Chapman Cultural Center in downtown Spartanburg. Attendees danced to live music – inside and outside – and a display featured local artists.
Live music was performed by the band, Soulified 7. Band member Jerrel Dean found that it was important for the band to perform at the event.
The Spartanburg Juneteenth INC presented ‘An Evening of Spoken Word with Moody Black & Friends’ the event took place at the Chapman Cultural Center on June 16, 2022. Coach Jah Smalls of Chalotte on stage. Spoken Word artists talk about life in the United States as an African American.
“It’s super important for us to express our appreciation for our freedom across the board on every spectrum and platform we can.” Dean said. “Through music, through poetry and art, it’s very crucial for us to celebrate the freedom that we have.”
Juneteenth in Spartanburg:Here’s what to know about Saturday and Sunday’s Juneteenth events.