Black History Month: Sights and sounds of Juneteenth
Originally published June 21, 2021.
Just two days after President Joe Biden signed legislation declaring Juneteenth a federal holiday, hundreds turned out Saturday to celebrate local history. This included an online presentation, walking tour through East Lexington and a gathering of more than 250 people at the site of the historic Dunbar school. The ceremony began with the singing of Lift Every Voice and Sing by Mia Mason and The Pledge of Allegiance.
Community leader and organizer, Tina Royal, holds Juneteenth proclamation from The City of Lexington. Juneteenth is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. {Contributed photo}
The Davidson County NAACP led the way into the historic celebration. {Antionette Kerr/Davidson Local}
The festival style event took place at the site of the historic Dunbar school following a historic walking tour led by civil rights activist and educator, Tyrone Terry. {Contributed photo}
Vaccination was a key conversation. Tina Royal took her vaccination at the event administered by The Davidson County Health Department. Partnering with Healthier Together - NC Counts Coalition Community Based Organizations (CBO) – Giver of Destiny Corporation to work with Historically Marginalized Communities and Black Indigenous Persons of Color (BIPOC) by using census tract information to locate communities that have high social vulnerability scores. {Antionette Kerr/Davidson Local}
Beverly Kerr of Giver of Destiny shares vaccine information. {Antionette Kerr/Davidson Local}
Local historian Bryce Holmes shares the history of Juneteenth with a crowd of more than 250 people. {Contributed photo}
Davidson County Democrats Booth: Organizers thanked both the Davidson County Democrats and Republicans for participation in the historic event. {Contributed photo}
Davidson County Republican Women: Organizers thanked both the Davidson County Democrats and Republican Women for participating in the historic event. {Contributed photo}
Lexington Live community theatre group performed scenes from their upcoming show Big River {Contributed photo}.
Hardware courtesy of The Salisbury Corvette Club, T-BM TBW Motorcycle Club and Brothers & Sisters Keepers Bike Club. {Antionette Kerr/Davidson Local}
Youth were invited to color and create their own newspaper headlines for the day with Davidson Local. {Antionette Kerr/Davidson Local}
