Several Gaston cities plan to host Juneteenth events in coming weeks. Dot Guthrie, the director of Gastonia’s African American Museum of History & Culture, said in a previous interview that the holiday was established to celebrate the day when news of their freedom finally reached all enslaved people in the United States.
Here is a look at four opportunities to celebrate in 2025.
Cherryville
From 11 a.m.-3 p.m. June 7, the city of Cherryville will host a Juneteenth celebration at the mini park, 219 E. Main St.
Bessemer City
From 6-10 p.m. Friday, June 13, Bessemer City will host its seventh annual Juneteenth celebration at Centennial Park, 114 W. Virginia Ave. The event will include live entertainment from “Songbird” of Bessemer City, Drums 4 Life, history lessons, food trucks, vendors and activities for children.
Belmont
Arts, crafts, music and food will be available at Belmont’s Juneteenth festival from 2-9:30 p.m. Saturday, June 14, at Stowe Park, 24 S. Main St.
Gastonia
EbonyFest, a free Juneteenth celebration held in Gastonia, will take place June 14 and 19. The festival includes a parade, live music, food, vendors, and a fireworks display. Organizers are still working to raise money for the event.
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