Charleston’s Juneteenth celebration was a vibrant, soul-filled event that brought the community together to honor freedom, culture, and unity. The city’s celebration of Juneteenth, now a federal holiday, marked June 19, 1865—the day enslaved people in Texas learned they were free, over two years after the Emancipation Proclamation.
A Day of Reflection and Celebration
The heart of the celebration was found at the International African American Museum, where families, friends, and visitors from across the country gathered to reflect on the significance of the day and rejoice in the progress made since then. The atmosphere was filled with love, joy, and pride as the community embraced the power of unity.
“I feel great. I feel the freedom, the love, and the unity in all of us coming together as a community to celebrate how far we’ve come,” said Lanetra King, an attendee who radiated pride as she celebrated the day with others.
A Week-Long Celebration of Black Excellence
The museum partnered with the Black Expo to host a week of events that showcased Black culture, highlighting Black-owned businesses, creatives, and artists. The event featured a lively vendor bazaar, where everything from crown care to cultural fashion was on display, celebrating Black beauty in all its forms.
“June is our birthday month, our anniversary,” said Brandon Reid, Public Historian at the museum. “And we’re celebrating a century of Black beauty. All the vendors you see from crown care to fashion—help us reflect on the meaning and legacy of Black beauty.”
Culture and Community at the Forefront
Attendees filled the space with bold prints, colorful Juneteenth gear, and prideful smiles. They posed for photos, swapped stories, and laughed together in a celebration that was as much about community as it was about history.
“We were there, and we’re still here—vibrantly impacting every community,” said Tosha Cottrell, another attendee. “With so much of our history being erased, it’s powerful to be part of something that brings it to life again.”
A Movement Filled with Pride and Joy
Live music echoed through the celebration, as generations stood side by side, sharing in the powerful moment. The event wasn’t just a day—it was a movement, filled with purpose, pride, and an undeniable joy that highlighted the ongoing legacy of Black culture in Charleston and beyond.
Charleston’s Juneteenth celebration was a beautiful reminder of the progress made and the work still to be done. It was a powerful and joyful tribute to the resilience, strength, and beauty of the Black community, honoring both the past and the future.
