“For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.”
-Nelson Mandela

Juneteenth is more than a celebration of freedom; it’s a celebration of culture and an appreciation for the contributions African Americans have made to America. Since its recognition as a federal holiday in 2021, Juneteenth has become a widely celebrated holiday, with cities across America hosting festivities highlighting African American culture. Fayetteville and surrounding cities are no different and are gearing up to bring the community together for fun, family, and entertainment.

Juneteenth Jubilee: Sovereign
Cool Spring Downtown District is hosting its fourth annual Juneteenth Jubilee on Saturday, June 14, at Festival Park, 1335 Ray Street, from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. The CSDD has worked hard to build on the momentum and success of previous years, curating a truly spectacular lineup of entertainment, food, and vendors for the whole family to enjoy. If a variety of food trucks, cultural vendors, black artists, and a good “Boots on the Ground” line dance with the one and only Stephanie Kiegler of Dancing without Sin isn’t enough incentive to come down to the celebration, then the entertainment lineup for the evening will be.
Hitting the stage first is recording artist Rissi Palmer. Palmer is a Governor at the Recording Academy Nashville, and the first black female artist to rise on the Billboard Top 100 Country charts since Dona Mason. Palmer, a music scene veteran, has recorded several albums and was one of nine artists featured on PBS’s American Masters: In The Making series.
Headlining this year’s event is New Orleans-based, Grammy Award-winning band, Tank and the Bangas! This quartet of talented musicians and a powerhouse singer has flooded the airwaves since 2011 with their unique sound, a fusion of R&B, soul, hip-hop,
rap and rock.
It wouldn’t be a CSDD if local talent weren’t on full display. Leading up to the headlining concert, attendees can enjoy a variety of performances from local artists and groups. Other event highlights include the crowning of Miss Juneteenth Fayetteville in association with J19 Unity Fayetteville.
“Sovereignty is associated with royalty, agency and power, which is a strong theme for a celebration that uplifts the history and cultural contributions of Black Americans in this country and in our community,” said Ashanti Bennett, interim president/CEO and curator for the jubilee. “This year, we are highlighting, in particular, the achievements and contributions of Black Women to the culture. We will celebrate our Queens throughout the day – From our opening speaker, Crystal McLean, president and founder of Money Box Academy Inc., a financial literacy hybrid non-profit in Fayetteville; to some of our stage talent courtesy of Book Black Women, Inc, Cumberland Choral Arts, and more; to the crowning of Miss Juneteenth Jubilee - we are delighted to showcase Black Girl Magic at this year’s Jubilee.”
Bennett is excited about this year’s event and seeing all the work CSDD put in pay off. Bennett has been a curator of the
event since 2022.
“I am really excited for the entire day to unfold, but I am most excited about seeing so many smart, talented, beautiful black women make this day come alive! We don't always get our proper due, so I am pleased to be able to host a space where we get to shine,” Bennett said. While Juneteenth is a celebration centered around the African American experience, it is the perfect opportunity for the WHOLE community to come together, learn, laugh, commune, and celebrate.
“CSDD strives to offer art, culture, education, and entertainment that is accessible and meaningful for all of our attendees. This is not simply a ‘black event’ – we believe that Juneteenth is an incredibly significant holiday with relevance for all Americans. We want those who are unfamiliar with Juneteenth to embrace the history and perspective, and for those who celebrate to feel welcome to share in a unified moment of reflection and joy,” Bennett said.
“In addition to the entertainment, we will have roaming historians on site with ‘Ask Me About Juneteenth’ shirts ready to answer questions, as well as a Black Fayetteville History Tour that is curated by a friend to CSDD, archivist Nicholle Young from Fayetteville State University, our local Historically Black College and University. We will have a full stage schedule with performances from various local community groups and artists.
“We’re excited to put our boots on the ground with some line dancing, as well! Of course, there will be plenty of art at the Jubilee – we are hosting the 2nd HBCU Student and Alumni Showcase, along with displayed art by the collective, Black Artist Forward. We will have other marketplace and nonprofit vendors, as well. And of course, a solid group of some of our favorite local food trucks that attendees can enjoy while catching some shade at the Jubilee Community Tent. There will also be a children’s area on site with bounce houses, games, and new to the Jubilee this year, a Virtual Reality game truck, U Got Game,” Bennett stated.
This is a free community event thanks to community sponsors ABC11, PWC, Duke Energy, Healy Wholesale, City of Fayetteville, Fayetteville State University, Methodist University, Capitol Encore Academy, CityView, The Crown Complex, The Fayetteville Press, SAAMS Party Tents, Clubtails, Beasley Media Group and Cumulus Media.

Juneteenth Liberty and Legacy Celebration
The Town of Hope Mills is sponsoring this year’s Juneteenth celebration on June 13 and June 14 at Dirtbag Ales located at 5435 Corporation Drive. The two-day celebration will feature art, a night market, food and a lineup of entertainment including local disc jockey, DJ Yoda, The Phobes, Radioboxx, and Motrax. This event is a free community event.
Friday
• 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
• Hosted by Dr. Sonny Kelly, featuring a night market (a variety of vendors), art crawl, live music by Radioboxx, fashion show, and culture and canvas
Saturday
• 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Hosted by Tomeka Bright, featuring an open market with 50+ vendors, live music by The Phoebes, Motrax, and Radioboxx, poetry, African dance, vendors

400 Years: The Evolution of Black America
Book Black Women and No Longer Bound are presenting their highly acclaimed and title production at FTCC’s Cumberland Hall Auditorium, located at 2211 Hull Road, on Thursday, June 19, and Friday, June 20. This year’s event is powered by Circa 1865 and sponsored by The Capitol Encore Academy, Fayetteville/Cumberland County Arts Council, and Sweet Tea Shakespeare. This production is a collaboration by community artists, telling African American history through dance, song, and spoken word. Tickets can be purchased online at www.bookblackwomen.org.

Juneteenth Heritage Brunch
Closing out the Juneteenth holiday week is the annual Juneteenth Heritage Brunch at Carvers Creek State Park, located at 2505 Long Valley Rd., Spring Lake. This event, held on Sat. June 21, is presented by Book Black Women and No Longer Bound. This year won’t just feature a brunch under the iconic cypress trees of the state park, but will include an expert-led hayride around the property, learning about the rich and diverse history of the land. Attendees can choose from four convenient times: 11 a.m., noon,1 p.m. and 2 p.m. Tickets are $35 and can be purchased online at www.bookblackwomen.org. The 2025 Juneteenth Heritage Brunch is sponsored by Circa 1865, Cal’s Catering, and Fayetteville/Cumberland County Arts Council.

(Top Photo: Courtesy of Cool Springs District Facebook Page. Bottom Photo: Courtesy of Book Black Women LLC Facebook Page.)