The community is invited to celebrate Juneteenth at the Ada Jenkins Center in Davidson on June 19.

Juneteenth, a holiday originating in Galveston, Texas in 1865 and now recognized in North Carolina and forty-three other states, celebrates the emancipation of African Americans.

 The free celebration from 11 am to 2 pm, located at the Ada Jenkins Center, 212 Gamble St.,  will include music, food trucks, entertainment, keynote reflections and children’s activities. Davidson Mayor Rusty Knox will read the opening proclamation. 

Thanks to event sponsors, the first 200 people to check in at the Welcome Tent will receive a complimentary lunch. Sponsors include the Town of Davidson, Atrium Health, Newel Brands Charitable Foundation, the Brenda H. Tapia Foundation, Davidson College, Davidson Wine Co. and Wade and Associates.

The Juneteenth Flag is a symbolic representation of the end of slavery in the ‘ United States. The flag is the brainchild of activist Ben Haith, founder of the National Juneteenth Celebration Foundation.

 “Juneteenth is an important celebration for our community – what many consider to be a true Independence Day! We’re so glad folks in Davidson can gather together for this great event and hope to see many familiar and new faces on this day of reflection and fun, says Town of Davidson Housing and Equity Director Eugene Bradley.

Limited vendor tables are available, and event volunteers are also needed. For those interested, contact Events Manager Mardee Woodward at mardee.woodward@adajenkins.org or sign up here.