Pictured are attendees at a prior Juneteenth event.

Appomattox for Equality/Contributed

Appomattox for Equality (AFE), with the generous support of Virginia Tourism Corporation, will host the 2nd annual commemoration of Juneteenth on Saturday, June 19, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Courtland Festival Park in historic downtown Appomattox.

The theme of this year’s event is “United in Hope.” Admission to this family-friendly event is free for the community and will feature live music, food, games, local vendors, a raffle for fun prizes and guest speakers. Everyone is welcome to participate. This event is rain or shine, so attendees may grab their favorite lawn chair and umbrella.

Juneteeth, also known as Freedom Day, is the oldest national commemoration of the end of slavery in the United States. Today, Juneteenth puts an emphasis on education and achievement. It is a time for reflection, rejoicing, assessment and self-improvement.

In areas across the country, people of all races, nationalities and religions join hands to truthfully examine a period in our history that shaped and continues to influence our society today.

“As we pay tribute to the journey, we acknowledge the many roles and contributions of the Black spirit to our society,” AFE stated. “We embrace the past as well as the future that only unity, respect, and appreciation can bring.”

AFE will be joined by speakers from Appomattox Courthouse National Historical Park and the Moton Museum of Farmville. Popular local band Apple Butter Soul will provide the crowd with music and fun, as well as performances by Kuumba Dance Ensemble and New Beginnings Band. There will also be plenty of children’s activities, including face painting, bean bag tosses, cornhole, and a cake walk.

Come hungry and enjoy lunch with Blended Soul and Ferguson Family Provisions. Appomattox for Equality is a nonprofit organization that inspires change in the Central Virginia area through educational programs, public events, and community service. As a grassroots organization, AFE has seen rapid growth and a big show of support since producing their first annual Black History Month series garnered the group national attention.

To learn more, visit www.appomattoxequality.com and FOLLOW @appomattoxequality on social media.

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