Hampton Roads Prepares For Juneteenth Celebrations

HAMPTON ROADS
Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration commemorating the ending of slavery in the United States.  It dates back to June 19, 1865 when enslaved Blacks in Galveston, Texas first learned that they had been free for two and a half years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation freed them on January 1, 1863 Union soldiers, led by Major General Gordon Granger, landed at Galveston, Texas with news that the war had ended and that the enslaved were now free. Today, Juneteenth celebrates African-American freedom and achievement and observances are held across the country. For many, it is considered a national day of pride and is celebrated in 45 states of the U.S.

Saturday, June 18
“The Power of Unity” Juneteenth In Chesapeake

CHESAPEAKE
“The Power of Unity” is the theme for Juneteenth 2016 organized by Ernest Lowery and presented by Lowery’s Custom Video and Photography. This free family event will take place on Saturday, June 18, at the New Hope Center, 1425 Gust Lane, Chesapeake, VA 23323 from noon-4 p.m.
Emceeing the program will be Herman Hurston and Regina Royster. The scheduled line-up of speakers and performers include:
—D.D. King, Author –“Relationships on Blast”
— Bret Hewitt, Positive Vibes – “Whose Story Are You Listening To?”
— Dr. Darnell Johnson of ECSU – Educational Perspective – “Statistics That Should Alarm You”
— Bert Bergan – “How To Apply The Business Hook-up”
— Veronica Davis – “There Is Something About Us”
— Sam Allen – “Negro Baseball, The Story”
— Dr. Cornelius Warren – “Global Health Right Here”
— Ms.Kenya Hines, SHERO – Award winner
—LaShawn Hawkins – “Moving with the Word”
Entertainment will be provided by Calden Moye-Hall, Regina Scott Sandord, and Crystal Spencer Parker. Venders are welcome and donations are accepted. For more information, contact Ernest Lowery – leave a message at (757) 420-4663. Your call will  be returned. The event is sponsored by Lowery’s Custom Video and Photography and The New Journal and Guide.

Sunday, June 19
Hampton Roads Juneteenth Festival In Portsmouth

PORTSMOUTH
The Hampton Roads Juneteenth Festival & WJVA 106.5 FM will observe Juneteenth on Sunday, June 19, 2016 from noon – 8 p.m. at the Portsmouth City Park in Portsmouth. The free event is open to the public and is being organized by Sheri Bailey, director of the Hampton Roads Juneteenth Festival. Activities throughout the day will include poetry reading, social justice speakers, singers, dancers, musicians, artists, cultural arts and environmental groups. Also Revolutionary and Civil War reenactments, as well as film and video screenings, will be presented. For more information or to advertise, contact Sheri Bailey at (757) 609-7066 or visit juneteenthva@yahoo.com