As Charleston and Huntington prepare for a three-day Juneteenth celebration — complete with parades, performances and community gatherings — the festivities serve as a powerful reminder of the long and complex road to freedom, both nationally and here in West Virginia.
Juneteenth director Ray Whiting talks about the celebration at Slack Plaza on June 19, 2024.
Gazette-Mail file photo
"I don't want folks to think that Juneteenth is all about just the fun," said Ray Whiting, one of the six coordinators for the Charleston Juneteenth events. "Let this be a learning moment, because we're in troubled times right now."
History
West Virginia was founded during the Civil War after secession from Virginia on June 20, 1863 —Ìýa choice made by the new state's leaders because of regional disagreements on taxation, representation and slavery in the United States.
Despite the state's separation from Virginia in order to join the Union, and President Abraham Lincoln's Sept. 22, 1862, issuance of the which ended slavery in southern states on Jan. 1, 1863, African Americans were still enslaved for more than two years in West Virginia until Feb. 3, 1865.
Because of a mix of poor communication and intentional delays by enslavers, news of emancipation took two years after the initial executive order to reach the last enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, the farthest reaches of the United States at the time.ÌýThe day that the news of freedom completed its journey — June 19, 1865 — , a day to remember the history of enslavement and commemorate the freedom of African Americans in the United States.
Gov. Patrick Morrisey's office statement said Morrisey's "recognizing the significance of the day ... will encourage all West Virginians to take a moment to commemorate the end of slavery in the U.S."Ìý
However, the statement went on say, "due to the continued fiscal challenges facing West Virginia, state government will not be sponsoring any formal activities."
Unlike in past years, Juneteenth will not be a paid holiday for state workers this year, made to WOWK-TV by the Governor's Office.
The Kanawha County Courthouse will be closed on Thursday and Friday to observe the Juneteenth and West Virginia Day holidays. The Courthouse will reopen Monday, June 23. However, the Kanawha County Judicial Building will remain open on Thursday since state offices are open that day.
Juneteenth events
This year, Charleston and Huntington will host a series of events in honor of Juneteenth.
The multi-day celebrationÌý— from June 19-21 — will feature a variety of cultural events, including live music, local vendors, educational programming and family-friendly activities. Organizers say the goal is not only to honor the significance of Juneteenth but also to uplift Black voices, art and history within the community.
5-6 p.m., June 19: Fireside chat with Roland Martin and reception hosted by African American Philanthropy in Action. Little Theater at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center, 200 Civic Center Drive, Charleston. The free event is open to the public with registration required. Tickets can be acquired at:
6-8 p.m., June 19: Juneteenth Farm to Table Dinner at the Capitol Market, 800 Smith St., Charleston. Showcasing a menu by Keyarna "Chef Ke" Frederick, live music from West Virginia’s First Lady of Soul, Doris “Lady D†Fields, and local Black-owned vendors. Tickets available at: .
5 p.m., June 19:ÌýWalk through the Fairfield neighborhood in Huntington, home to Carter G. Woodson, considered the Father of Black History. The walk begins at Mammus’ Kitchen restaurant, 1525 Ninth Ave., and will proceed to the Woodson Memorial Statue on Hal Greer Boulevard and other community landmarks before returning to Mammus’ Kitchen for refreshments, music and activities for children. For more information, call Marijayne Crawford at 681-203-7130 or visit .
11:30 a.m., June 20: Juneteenth Parade. 314 Donnally St., Charleston. The parade begins at the MLK Jr. Center and ends at the Slack Plaza in downtown Charleston.
Noon-4 p.m., June 20: Juneteenth festival. 182 Summers St., Charleston. Juneteenth festival at Slack Plaza. Featuring food, music, and community activities.
12-6 p.m., June 21: Juneteenth Festival. Ritter Park, 910 13th Ave., Huntington. Featuring an assortment of food vendors, retail vendors and additional resources.
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