Durham, NC — The spirit of faith and freedom will take center stage on June 20, 2025, as the inaugural NC Juneteenth Gospel Concert fills the historic Hayti Heritage Center with the rich sounds of gospel music — celebrating both the 20th Annual NC Juneteenth Celebration and Hayti’s 50th anniversary.
The concert, which is free and open to the public (ticket required), will honor two legendary gospel announcers and feature powerful performances by top North Carolina gospel artists.
Honoring Keepers of the Gospel
Central to the evening is the presentation of the Keeper of the Gospel Award, which celebrates individuals who have devoted themselves to preserving and promoting the powerful legacy of gospel music.
Gospel music, rooted in the spiritual traditions of enslaved Africans in America, served as both a source of hope and a means of communication during slavery. These songs expressed faith, resilience, and the longing for freedom — and have continued to uplift generations…