Celebrating Juneteenth in Williamsburg, Virginia
On June 19, 1865, the last United States enslaved people were freed. Even though President Lincoln had issued the Emancipation Decree in January 1863, thousands of enslaved Black men and women in Texas were not granted liberation until federal forces arrived in the state to enforce the order on June 19, 1865. After the approval of the Thirteenth Amendment in December of that year, slavery finally ended in several other states.
This is an opportunity to teach, remember, rejoice, and celebrate the Black experience in the United States. Many organizations are set to host events this weekend, providing ample opportunities for individuals to partake in enjoyable activities.
The Juneteenth Community Consortium has announced objectives to highlight the pivotal role that Williamsburg, VA, played in the Black experience in American history. The Consortium will organize a series of events across Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Yorktown from June 14 - 20, 2023, to commemorate the region’s significance.
Talking History Program: Prelude to Juneteenth
Wednesday, June 14, 2023 / 7:00 - 8:30 P.M. / Jamestown Settlement
Join Dr. Cassandra Newby-Alexander, Endowed Professor of Virginia Black History and Culture at Norfolk State University, for a captivating evening of history and performance in Jamestown. The event will delve into the delicate and complex concept of freedom, tracing its evolution from 17th-century Jamestown to Juneteenth. Attendees will be treated to musical interludes by Sylvia Tabb & the Rejoicing Singers and dramatic readings from primary sources. This is set to be a thought-provoking exploration of one of humanity’s most fundamental ideals.
W&M Juneteenth Celebration at The Heart Friday, June 16, 2023 / 3:00 - 6:00 P.M. / William & Mary
Celebrate the abolition of slavery in the United States with William & Mary and other communities on Juneteenth. On its campus, William & Mary will host the first event in the local community’s Juneteenth Weekend at the Hearth: Memorial to the Enslaved. Attendees can anticipate seeing performers, vendors, and more at the event. There will be a number of celebrations in the Williamsburg area that weekend to mark Juneteenth, including this one.
2nd Annual Juneteenth Commemorative Art Exhibition
Friday, June 16, 2023 / 6:00 - 8:00 P.M. / Wrl Gallery At Stryker Center
Williamsburg Regional Library Gallery at the Stryker Center is hosting a special exhibition of Black artists from the surrounding area, coordinated by Willis Potter. The acoustic blues duet Jackie & Resa will perform at the opening reception on Friday, June 16 from 6 to 8 p.m. This exhibition will be on view until July 28. The gallery is open from 9 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday. Weekends between 1 and 5 p.m. The store will be closed on July 4th.
YJCW NAACP Motor Parade & Juneteenth Community Fest Saturday, June 17, 2023 / 9:00 A.M. - 12:00 P.M. / Highland Park & Bicentennial Park
The day begins with a motor parade lineup at Highland Park, followed by a car exhibition in Bicentennial Park hosted by the NAACP Youth Works and the Williamsburg Police Department. There will be a Community Vendor Fair, Games, Intense Fiyaaaaa, and Line Dancing from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
York County Juneteenth Celebration Saturday, June 17, 2023 / 3:00 - 8:00 P.M. / Mcreynolds Athletic Complex (Mac)
There will be games, a bouncy house, speakers, live music, local organizations, and food vendors for the whole family to enjoy. At 8:30 PM, folks can gather for live music by Slapnation and an outdoor showing of The Princess and the Frog.
Juneteenth Sunrise Service
Sunday, June 18, 2023 / 6:00 - 7:00 A.M. / Colonial Williamsburg
The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation will hold a sunrise service at the towering Compton Oak, a landmark tree representing life, endurance, shelter, and joy, on Sunday, June 18th at 6 a.m. to remember the victorious spirit of the African American experience. A visionary thinking leader, Tina Lifford, will provide a special keynote talk.
Williamsburg Live: Keb’ Mo’
Sunday, June 18, 2023 / 5:30 P.M. Start / Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg
This legendary musician, a five-time Grammy winner, and the 2021 recipient of the Americana Music Association’s Lifetime Achievement in Performance Award has performed his feel-good blues on a variety of stages, from dive bars to the White House. His music, which has its origins in the blues, eludes easy categorization by blending traditional blues with country, pop, soul, and Americana and is delivered in an approachable growl that captivates listeners.
Free Colonial Williamsburg Admission
Monday, June 19, 2023 / 9:30 A.M. - 4:30 P.M. / Colonial Williamsburg
In honor of Juneteenth, Colonial Williamsburg will be open for free entry on Monday, June 19.
Highlights of the Colonial Williamsburg programming:
Albert Durant Slide Shaow at the Lane Auditorium
Darry Reeves: Master Blacksmith
Answer the Call Drum Circle
Additionally Included in Free Admission:
Tours of the Governor’s Palace, Capitol, and Courthouse led by costumed interpreters
Access to trade sites, where you may talk to and see skilled masters, journeymen, and apprentices working in 18th-century trades
Admission to daily staged performances at the Hennage Auditorium and on the Charlton Stage
Entry to two exceptional art museums
Parking is free at the Visitors Center.
Free shuttle service
The Village Initiative in Education Equity Juneteenth Celebration Honoring the Ancestors
Monday, June 19, 2023 / 1:00 - 7:00 P.M. / Triangle District at Scotland St & Prince George St, Williamsburg
Coming to the Table Juneteenth After Party
Tuesday, June 20, 2023 / 6:30 - 8:30 P.M. / Video Conference
Reflections on Juneteenth, 2023 will be the theme of the “Juneteenth After Party” in the Historic Triangle. The importance of Juneteenth will be highlighted, and members of the community will have an opportunity to voice their opinions on planned Juneteenth 2024 events.
Evie Blanco is a journalist with nearly a decade of experience born in the Dominican Republic and raised in Queens, New York. She is extremely well-versed in hip-hop music and culture and is always aware of its developments. Whether it’s the latest in pop culture, a fascinating foreign destination, a truly amazing new restaurant, or breaking news, she loves to write about it all. Evie can be reached at evieblanco@detourxp.com.