Greenbrier County Unity Committee announces second annual Juneteenth celebration, “Unity in Our Community”

PRESS RELEASE

LEWISBURG, W.Va. – The Greenbrier County Unity Committee in partnership with the Greenbrier Historical Society, invites the community to Lewisburg’s second annual Juneteenth celebration, a two-day event honoring freedom, history, culture, and community through reflection, education, music, and fellowship.

This year’s events, themed “Unity in Our Community,” are designed to bring community members together to commemorate the significance of Juneteenth while creating space for conversation, learning, connection, and celebration. Organizers hope the weekend’s activities will encourage meaningful dialogue and honor the stories, resilience, and contributions of Black Americans throughout history and within our local community. 

Juneteenth commemorates a pivotal moment in United States history, marking the day in 1865 when federal troops led by General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and ensured that all enslaved people were finally freed, more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation.

Friday, June 19

6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. – Old Stone Room, Carnegie Hall – Keynote Speaker: Dr. Joseph Evans, MD, FAAP, Director of the Center for Truth, Racial Healing, and Restorative Justice at Berkeley School of Theology and a Lewisburg native.

Organizers are honored to welcome Dr. Evans back to his hometown for this important community conversation. His distinguished career in theology, education, and restorative justice brings a unique and deeply meaningful perspective to this year’s celebration.

7:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. – North House Museum – Following the keynote address, attendees are invited to the North House Museum from 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM for a reception and viewing of the “Echoes of Slavery” exhibit. The exhibit offers an opportunity for reflection and deeper understanding of the experiences, histories, and lasting impact of slavery within the region and beyond. 

Saturday, June 20

12 p.m. – 5 p.m. – The celebration will continue with a free community festival at Dorie Miller Park. The festival will feature live music, vendors, community resources, and activities for attendees of all ages. Organizers encourage community members to gather for an afternoon of fellowship and celebration. 

At 2 p.m., attendees won’t want to miss a performance by the Resurrection Praise Community Choir, a phenomenal ensemble featuring members from West Virginia and Virginia. The afternoon will also include a special performance by a local soloist, adding to the celebration’s spirit of community, music, and fellowship.

As part of its ongoing commitment to preserving and sharing local history, the Greenbrier Historical Society is proud to help support this year’s Juneteenth celebration in partnership with the Greenbrier County Unity Committee as we celebrate the spirit and significance of Juneteenth.

For additional information, please contact gcucomm25@gmail.com, visit greenbrierhistorical.org, facebook.com/greenbrierhistorical, or instagram.com/greenbrierhistoricalsociety/.