The Friends of the New Hanover County Arboretum are commemorating for the second year the emancipation of African Americans.
The Juneteenth celebration is 5-8 p.m. Saturday, June 18, at the Arboretum, 6206 Oleander Drive, Wilmington. There is no cost to attend and the event is open to the public and will feature food, poetry readings and music.
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The celebration of emancipation is to bring together the community to celebrate freedom and equal rights.
“Juneteenth is such an important moment in history that should be acknowledged and celebrated,” said New Hanover County Cooperative Extension Director Lloyd Singleton in a statement. “The Arboretum is honored to host this Juneteenth event and to provide a space for the community to come together to reflect on African American history and engage in fellowship.”
A short program that highlights Black history and culture, including the history of Juneteenth, the reading of the Emancipation Proclamation by a student from Murray Middle School, as well as an opening prayer from Pastors Cedric and LaToya Barrett of Purpose Church are planned.
