Town of Blackstone Annual Juneteenth Celebration

June 29, 2024

S. Main Street Blackstone, VA 23824

10 AM to 10 PM

Block Party Starts at 6 PM

3 Stages Full of Entertainment for the whole Family To Enjoy

See What You Have Been Missing In the Past, But Don’t Miss It on June 29,2024

The Town of Blackstone Juneteenth Committee does not own rights to the music in the video

Those Who Know Must Teach, Plant a Seed!

 

When you’re done shopping, learn a new hobby or skill from a community of enthusiastic practitioners.

 
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Vendors

Thousands of products for adults and kids.

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Workshops

Learn a new hobby or skill from an expert.

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Eating

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Performances

Speakers and Performers

“Those Who Know Much Teach, Plant A Seed.”

Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States.  Dating back to 1865, it was on June 19th that the Union soldiers, led by Major General Gordon Granger, landed at Galveston, Texas with news that the war had ended and that the enslaved were now free. Note that this was two and a half years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation - which had become official January 1, 1863. The Emancipation Proclamation had little impact on the Texans due to the minimal number of Union troops to enforce the new Executive Order. However, with the surrender of General Lee in April of 1865, and the arrival of General Granger’s regiment, the forces were finally strong enough to influence and overcome the resistance. 



A range of activities were provided to entertain the masses, many of which continue in tradition today. Rodeosfishingbarbecuing and baseball are just a few of the typical Juneteenth activities you may witness today. Juneteenth almost always focused on education and self improvement. Thus, often guest speakers are brought in and the elders are called upon to recount the events of the past. Prayer services were also a major part of these celebrations. 

Certain foods became popular and subsequently synonymous with Juneteenth celebrations such as strawberry soda-pop. More traditional and just as popular was the barbecuing, through which Juneteenth participants could share in the spirit and aromas that their ancestors - the newly emancipated African Americans, would have experienced during their ceremonies. Hence, the barbecue pit is often established as the center of attention at Juneteenth celebrations.

Food was abundant because everyone prepared a special dish. Meats such as lamb, pork and beef which were not available everyday were brought on this special occasion. A true Juneteenth celebrations left visitors well satisfied and with enough conversation to last until the next.

This year, and for years to come, we will strive to keep this tradition alive, educate the masses, and share in the spirit of our ancestors.

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Located just off the beaten path, the Juneteenth Celebration is worth the adventure to get there. Just bring yourself—we’ll handle the rest.