Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of all enslaved people in the United States. The federal holiday takes place June 19 in honor of when Union Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas that same day in 1865 to announce the freedom of all those enslaved. It is considered the true end of American slavery two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued.
Durham, a place with its own rich Black history and culture, widely celebrates Juneteenth over the course of June 19 and June 20. The Chronicle has compiled a list of events around the Triangle for those looking to celebrate and honor the holiday.
History and heritage
From 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m on June 19, visitors can attend a free, hourlong guided tour of the former plantation at Historic Stagville. A North Carolina State Historic Site, Stagville was one of the state’s largest plantations, where more than 900 enslaved people were emancipated in 1865.
Historic Stagville will also be hosting a Juneteenth Art Quilt Workshop from 12:30 to 3 p.m. Participants will create hand-sewn 8-by-10-inch art quilts inspired by African American history, the surrounding landscape and the textures of the historic site. Participants are encouraged to make a $10 donation to support the site’s programming…