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AHOSKIE – Juneteenth has come to represent for many African-Americans what the Fourth of July represents for all Americans – freedom.

And that freedom was on full display here Saturday at the R.L. Vann School Community Resource Center where a large crowd gathered to get a head start on celebrating this national holiday on June 19.

Rev. Mark Barfield, pastor of First Baptist Conway and Mt. Hope in Jackson, provided the event’s motivational message. He stressed that Juneteenth is more than a date in history, it is a declaration of dignity, a testimony of perseverance, and a call to a good fight.

“Freedom is a continuous journey. It is a struggle not only for rights, but also for righteousness, not only for justice, but for joy,” he said.

Referencing June 19, 1865, Barfield asked the audience to imagine what it was like to stand in the heat of June, hearts heavy with the generations of slavery, to finally hear they were free.

“It was delayed justice, but it was delivered,” Barfield said.

However, he said the fight is not yet over.

“Our ancestors had to fight the good fight, not with swords or shields, but with song, with sermons, with prayers,” he noted. “They fought by believing in a God who had not forgotten them. On Juneteenth, we honor those who fought, not just for freedom from slavery, but for the right to live as free children of God.

“We acknowledge that that fight is not finished,” he continued. “Fight the good fight of faith, not one rooted in violence but rather in perseverance. Fight it with your voice, fight it with your vote, fight it with your vision for a better tomorrow and peace in our streets. Fight it where freedom means more than just the absence of chains. It means the presence of opportunity and equality and dignity for all people.”

Ahoskie Councilman David Hunt gave the history of Juneteenth, adding that the ensuing Reconstruction era, which lasted more than a decade, also posed a threat to Black people rights.

“At the end of Reconstruction, they birth a new version of racial injustice and called it Jim Crow, another way to keep us down and prevent us from celebrating our independence,” Hunt noted. “That lasted from the 1870s to the mid 1960s, almost 90 years, but we kept fighting to preserve Juneteenth and our independence.

“Today we celebrate our independence. Let’s thank God we’re free. Let’s celebrate how far we have come,” he closed.

Marvin T. Jones was joined by James Peele in unveiling a historic marker for the Atlantic District Fair, which opened in 1921.

“The Atlantic District Fair gave all people access to the educational, recreational and social amenities offered by country fairs,” Jones said. “For over 90 years, the Atlantic District Fair served a multi-county community with its exhibit halls, livestock shelters. This gave people of color the opportunity to demonstrate their agricultural, home economic, craft and performances skills. The Fair also featured carnival attractions, fireworks and harness races along its one-half mile race track.”

The marker came through the William G. Pomeroy Foundation.

Bill Ward, 5^th District NC House of Representatives, praised the efforts of Opal Lee who worked tirelessly in lobbying state and federal officials to recognize Juneteenth as a national holiday. He referenced the holiday as one that represents “true freedom.”

“Our national motto –E pluribus unum – is a Latin phrase meaning, out of many, one,” Ward shared. “If we work together and stand together we can move forward, reaching heights never seen before. That’s the hope I take from this day.”

Ahoskie Mayor Weyling White stressed that Juneteenth is more than just a history lesson

“It’s a living reminder that while justice may be slow, we should never stop defending it. Freedom isn’t just a moment, it’s a movement,” White said.

He added that in Ahoskie, a town rich with Black history and culture, Juneteenth is personal.

“We celebrate the strength of our ancestors, the courage of our elders and the dreams of our youth, but celebrations without action are empty. We must continue to fight for equity in education and healthcare, support Black businesses, protect our right to vote, and uplift voices that are ignored. Juneteenth is not the end of our story, it’s the charge to write the next chapter,” White said.

Lt. Michael Kellett brought greetings from the Ahoskie Police Department, reminding those in attendance that the APD’s main mission is to protect and serve the town’s citizens, businesses and visitors.

Hertford County Sheriff Dexter Hayes shared his thoughts on the events leading up to June 19, 1865.

“That one day started a revolution, but that revolution started long before that where my ancestors died so I could stand here today as your Sheriff,” Hayes said. “As a leader of my household and my community, it my job to teach my kids about Black history so that when I sit down, they are ready to pick up and carry the mantle.”

Hertford County NAACP Chairman George Holley encouraged all in attendance to move forward together and not one step back.

“The Black skin is not a badge of shame, but rather a glorious symbol of national greatness,” Holley stated.

District Attorney Kim Scott also addressed the cry that the fight isn’t over.

“While Juneteenth is a celebration that the physical chains have been broken, one thing that we learn when we look back at our ancestors is that the fight isn’t over,” she said. “Had they stopped when the chains fell to the ground, we would be in the same position right now. But we learned resilience from our ancestors and the rich culture we have. I stand on the shoulders of my ancestors who paved the way. We need to work together to be the foundation for our future generation. That’s what Juneteenth is about.”

Andre Lassiter, chairman of the Hertford County Board of Commissioners referenced several in attendance who paved the way for those like him in positions of authority today.

“Without them, there wouldn’t be an us,” he stressed. “It was the fight that they put up that allowed me to stand at this podium today. As it says in the old spiritual we sing, ‘I don’t believe He’s brought me this far to leave me.’ I say to Black America, keep hope alive as it ain’t over until my God says it’s over.”

Dr. Tanya Oliver brought greetings from Roanoke-Chowan Community College.

“Juneteenth reminds us of the strength, the resilience, and the enduring spirit of a people who have long fought and continue to fight for liberty and equality,” said Dr. Oliver, a Vice President at RCCC. “At Roanoke-Chowan Community College we are committed to honoring this legacy, not just through remembrance but through action. Our mission is rooted in opportunity, access, and the transformative power of education. We believe by empowering every student, we carry forth the dreams of those generations ago.”

Rev. Dr. James Shearn, pastor of Jordan Grove Missionary Baptist Church, served as the emcee of Saturday’s program. Bishop J.C. Watford gave the invocation. R.J. Simmons read scripture. Louise Barnes gave the official welcome.

Rev. Edgar “Pete” Williams and the Charity Baptist Church Choir shared two messages in song. Nayla Thomas performed a praise dance. “Heavenly Expressions” from St. John Second Baptist Church also entertained the audience with a praise dance performance.

The event ended with Freda Morris Mizell sharing the story of Opal Lee, the “grandmother” of Juneteenth, a “Boots on the Ground” performance by Alealashia Riddick, and closing remarks from Waverly Joyner.

Those in attendance enjoyed various vendors offering items for sale and food.