Video of Loretta Holloway singing “Strange Fruit” at Juneteenth in Anderson
Loretta Holloway sings “Strange Fruit” at Juneteenth in Anderson
Anderson Independent Mail
As Juneteenth approaches, many events in the Upstate are planned to take part in and celebrate a holiday which is described by the National Museum of African American History and Culture as our country’s second Independence Day.
President Joe Biden designated Juneteenth a federal holiday in 2021, but the holiday has been celebrated for more than a century and a half. This year, Juneteenth will be celebrated on Thursday, June 19.
Different events will take place in the Upstate to commemorate the Juneteenth holiday.
Greenville Royal Juneteenth Gala
There will be a Juneteenth Royal Gala on June 13, hosted by and created in collaboration with Juneteenth Greenville.
Highlights include the crowning of Mr. and Miss Juneteenth, keynote speeches, cultural performances, and networking, according to the Visit Greenville website.
The event will take place at the Embassy Suites at Verdae, located at 670 Verdae Boulevard, at 6 p.m. Tickets for the event are $133 per person.
Juneteenth 5K Run Ride Recover for Veterans
On June 14, the 4th annual 5K Juneteenth Run for Veterans will take place. The run will start at 7 a.m.
Activities include a 5K run/walk, CycleBar rides, health screenings, and wellness workshops, according to the Visit Greenville SC website. The event will feature a Line Dance Party, with all proceeds going to the Upstate Circle of Friends and their Vet Forward initiative, which provides resources for veterans.
Participants will start the race in front of the Blues Boulevard Jazz club located on 300 River St. in Greenville. Runners will circle their way around Greenville, use parts of the Swamp Rabbit Trail before making their way back to Blues Boulevard.
On June 15, there will be an 11-mile or 22-mile bike ride at the Donaldson Center.
The prices for the events vary.
Juneteenth Keys to Freedom
Juneteenth Greenville will host an event, “Keys to Freedom,” on June 16 that teaches people how to achieve homeownership. The event will be in partnership with the Greenville County Habitat for Humanity.
The event will feature a homeownership panel, vendor showcases, and housing and lending professionals educating individuals on homeownership.
The program will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Tickets are free.
The event will take place at the Upstate Circle of Friends, located at 29 Circle Drive in Greenville.
Juneteenth Freedom Ride Car and Bike Show
Juneteenth Freedom Ride Car and Bike Show, also hosted by Juneteenth Greenville, will take place in Piedmont on June 15.
Kickstands are up for the freedom ride at 1 p.m.
At 2 p.m., the gates open at Lakeside Park on 15000 Piedmont Highway. There will be a sound competition and food trucks at the event.
Car and bike show registration is $22.87 and is the same price for sound competition.
Spartanburg BEC Juneteenth Gala
The Spartanburg Juneteenth BEC Gala will take place at the Chapman Cultural Center on June 20, starting at 6:30 p.m.
The Cultural Center is located at 200 E. Saint John St. in Spartanburg. Tickets are $76.54 per person.
Before that, on June 18, a seminar on race will be held at Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church in Spartanburg. The church is located at 502 S. Daniel Morgan Ave.
The event is free to enter.
Westminster Juneteenth Luncheon
At Saint Matthew Baptist Church, doors will open at 12 p.m. and the event will last until 2 p.m. The church is located at 108 Brock Road in Westminster.
Fountain Inn Juneteenth Soul Food Festival
On June 21 from noon to 6 p.m., the city of Fountain Inn will host a Soul Food Festival.
The event will host local vendors, artists, and food trucks. There will be performances by spoken word artists, musicians, comedians, and dancers.
The event will be free.
Spartanburg Juneteenth Jubilee Parade Celebration
Carver Middle School in Spartanburg will host a Juneteenth parade from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on June 21.
The event will take place at 467 S. Church St. and will feature floats, live music, a bike and car show, and vendor booths. The parade is free to attend.
Leading up to the festival, Spartanburg will have several city Juneteenth events.
Focus on Freedom: Cecil Williams’ Civil Rights Photography and Museum
- 5:30, June 16
- Location: Wofford College, Richardson Fine Arts Center
Block Party
- 6-10 p.m., Friday, June 20
- Place: S. Daniel Morgan Avenue near Broad Street
Celebration Festival
- 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday, June 21
- Place: Barnet Park
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