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For the third year in a row Anything For Our Youth Group is gearing up for a Juneteenth celebration set for Saturday, June 18th at 3 pm at Dunbar Park on 4th Street in Lexington. The festivities include a pageant and a creative writing contest. The historic walking tour will be led by Tyrone Terry, a local civil rights advocate that will begin at 2:30 pm.
The walk will assemble at 2:30 pm at the corner of E. 4th Street and N. Salisbury Street (corner near Davidson County Medical Ministries) less than a mile from the start location to the park. There will be a parking section on E.4th Street for those with physical disabilities in a lot across from Ezekiel AME Zion church, signs will be posted. vendors may park in the location as spots are available. Organizers note that all roads around the park will be blocked off by the Lexington Police Department at 1:00 pm. Davidson Funeral Home, Davidson Medical Ministries, and the lower level of the ABC store have given approval for additional parking.
The historic walking tour will continue through the neighborhood to the fourth Street Park, 412 E. Fourth St. Those not participating in the walk can gather for food trucks, vendors, music, children’s activities and more at 3 pm. Admission is free.
History of Juneteenth:
The Confederacy had fallen, however, many Texans were not aware until June 19, 1865 when Union Soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas and announced that the more than 250,000 enslaved black people were free by executive decree. Although Juneteenth is a celebration of freedom it is also a day of commemorating not just the ending of slavery in the U.S but is also a day upon reflection to teach each generation about what was endured, what is yet to come and how we must continue this fight for absolute equality until it is fully fulfilled.
Throughout the 157 years this celebration hasn't changed much. With the current popularity of this celebration in Rural and Metro cities, in 2022 you will find events commemorating this date with events spread over the entire month of June in just about every community.
Community leader, Tina Royal stated, “Juneteenth has meant to me to be a day of reflection, a time to celebrate and commemorate the end of slavery in our nation.” Royal believes in bringing people together in her community by being a positive leader. She works in many areas throughout the community to assure that diversity, inclusion, and equity is provided for everyone. “I hope Juneteenth will impact our community in such a way that people feel more unified, more educated and able to converse with one another about the history of this celebration. There is a lot of negativity in and around the community today with violence, death, depression, hopelessness, we want this event to bring people together from all walks of life to celebrate in jubilee this day of freedom, unity, community, and love.”
Anything For Our Youth is super excited and appreciative of our sponsors for this year's event. Lexington Utilities, Mathews Realty and Development, LLC, City of Lexington, NC, Uptown Lexington, Inc., Davidson-Davie Community College, Hospice of Davidson County, EGGER Wood Products, LLC. Royal said, “Every volunteer, every organization, vendor, and our city leaders for meeting with us to help make sure this event is effective and enjoyable for all in attendance.”
Free parking is available at:
-Davidson Funeral Home
-Davidson Medical Ministries
-ABC Lower Parking Lot
-Empty Lot across from Ezekiel A M E Zion Church
