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MURFREESBORO – A Juneteenth Freedom Day celebration is scheduled in Murfreesboro from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. on Saturday, June 18 at River Street Park near the Meherrin River bridge.

The event is co-hosted by the Murfreesboro High School Alumni and the Murfreesboro African American History Coalition. Councilman James Futrell and Brandon Vaughan are co-chairs.

To kick off the celebration this year, a parade will be held on Main Street in Murfreesboro starting at 10 a.m.

This family friendly event will include food by local chefs, music, DJs, games and activities for children, free books, craft vendors, voter registration, educational materials, health and wellness information, an African American history program, and genealogy research. The history program will begin at 2 p.m. and will honor the men of the United States Colored Troops from Hertford County.

Juneteenth is a holiday celebrating the emancipation of those who had been enslaved in the United States. Originating in Galveston, Texas, Juneteeth is now celebrated annually on June 19 throughout the country. In 2021, President Joe Biden signed a bill that established the Juneteenth National Independence Day.

Covid safety protocols will be in place. Weapons, alcohol, drugs, and profanity are strictly prohibited.

Please contact Cultivator, Inc. at 252-395-2327 or cultivatornc@gmail.com if you would like to become a sponsor, become a vendor, place an entry in the parade, have questions, or need additional information.