Juneteenth – A Celebration of Freedom

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Mar 20
2 min read

Updated: 5 days ago

Juneteenth is a federal holiday observed on June 19 that marks a pivotal moment in American history. On this day in 1865, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation, Union troops arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas to announce that all enslaved people were finally free. While Juneteenth celebrations began in Texas as early as 1866, it wasn’t until 2021 that the day was

officially recognized as a national holiday. Today, Juneteenth honors not only the end of slavery in the United States but also the ongoing pursuit of justice, equity, and cultural pride.

In Sanford, North Carolina, the community will come together to honor Juneteenth with an evening of powerful performances that both reflect on the legacy of slavery and celebrate the strength and resilience of freedom movements.

Presented by the City of Sanford Appearance Commission with support from Friends of Sanford, Inc., this celebration is made possible in part by a grant from The Lee County Arts Council, a designated county partner of the North Carolina Arts Council.

This free event will take place at 6 p.m. on Thursday, June 19, 2025, at the W.B. Wicker School auditorium, located at 806 S. Vance Street. The program will open with the Community Fellowship Choir, featuring voices from across Sanford, followed by a performance by the North Carolina Central University Jazz Collective, who will pay tribute to Black musical legends through a set of

classic jazz standards. Closing out the evening will be Rod Brower and the Together-N-Unity Choir, presenting original music written specifically for Sanford’s Juneteenth celebration.

This event welcomes all ages and offers a meaningful opportunity to reflect, learn, and celebrate through the arts.