Greenville will celebrate Juneteenth this month with several community events taking place at the Greenville Town Common. The community is invited to these free events to help honor the meaning and history of Juneteenth through public art, music, history, education, and fellowship.
“As a stakeholder and leader within our community, it’s great to see our city come together with our community partners to support Juneteenth,” Portia C. Willis, Greenville City Council Member. “This holiday commemorates freedom, equality and pride for the African American culture. There will be multiple opportunities to celebrate throughout the week of Juneteenth and I encourage everyone to participate. I look forward to celebrating with family, friends and our community at large.”
Emerald Loop Town Common Shelter Dedication & African American Cultural Trail Marker Relocation
Wednesday, June 19th from 10am – 11am
at the Greenville Town Common (intersection of 1st & Cotanche Streets)
Join the Pitt County Arts Council at Emerge, Visit Greenville, NC, the African American Cultural Trail Committee, and partners for the dedication of the first Emerald Loop Trolley Shelter and the relocation of the African American Cultural Trail “Town Common and Urban Renewal” marker adjacent to the shelter to compliment the experience it provides.
The Town Common Art Shelter is the newest public art and stop along the Emerald Loop, the African American Cultural Trail of Greenville-Pitt County, and the GREAT bus system. It represents a front porch of a house that was formerly located along 1st Street in the Shore Drive neighborhood before urban renewal caused the residents to have to relocate.
Artists Haddad-Drugan designed the shelter through many months of community input as part of the Emerald Loop, an economic development through the arts project administered by the Pitt County Arts Council at Emerge. On the front side of the shelter is a screen featuring a historic photograph of a view of 1st Street, while on the other side facing Town Common is an image from local artist Rakia Jackson, envisioning the future of Town Common and Greenville, one of growth and future generations. The porch swing, in lieu of the traditional bus stop bench, replicates the feel of a front porch, and when swinging, participants will hear music from Pitt County gospel group The Vines Sisters.
This public art was administered by the Pitt County Arts Council at Emerge, and funded through an "Our Town" grant from the National Endowment for the Arts, the North Carolina Arts Council, the City of Greenville, and various other local entities.
Juneteenth Jamboree
Saturday, June 22nd from 4pm – 9pm
at the Greenville Toyota Amphitheatre at Greenville Town Common
Celebrate freedom, along with Black African history, culture, and achievements at the Juneteenth Jamboree! Enjoy live music and entertainment, food trucks, bounce houses, African American Cultural Trail Tours, vendor fair, fireworks, photobooths, and more!
The festivities will be emceed by radio personality Mark Woodson, and an opening prayer offered by Pastor Eve C. Rogers of New Dimensions Community Church. Music and entertainment will include The Kruz Band and The Monterio Experience, a drum circle, the Pitt Community College Jazz Band, spoken word poetry set to music by Mrs. Regina C. Garcia and Mr. Kelly Lawrence, HYPE team, and the NuLook Steppaz. Riverside Recreation will also provide free kayak rides on the river. An education tent will also feature historians and advisors with lived experiences to share.
Sign up for a free tour of the African American Cultural Trail on the Emerald Express Trolley, please click here!
Tour times are: 12pm, 1:30pm, 3pm, and 4:30pm
If you would like to volunteer at the Juneteenth Jamboree, please click here!
"Having Juneteenth celebrations in Greenville at our Town Common is a great place for us to commemorate this major holiday,” stated Ronita Jones, Juneteenth Jamboree Committee Member. “Being on the grounds that were once a thriving and close knit African American community, will assist all of us with a better understanding and observance of this holiday. City officials, concerned citizens, community advocates and business representatives have been working together to bring historical, recreational, educational and an overall good time to Greenville's Juneteenth. Let's celebrate!
For more information, please contact:
Andrew Schmidt, President & CEO | Visit Greenville, NC | Phone: 252.329.4200 ext. 4248
Holly Garriott, Executive Director | Pitt County Arts Council at Emerge | Phone: 252.551.6947
