Gaston County Celebrations Juneteenth 2021
Updated: Jul 12, 2022
Join us in Gaston County this year as we celebrate Emancipation Day with JUNETEENTH cultural festivals including arts, crafts, music, food, a virtual 2k walk, parade, podcast, an art display, and more.
Juneteenth Festival in Bessemer City
Join us in downtown Bessemer City at Centennial Park on West Virginia Avenue this Friday, June 18th from 6- 9 PM for an Emancipation Day Celebration featuring the wonderful sounds of “Drummers 4 Life”, food, activities for children, history lessons, and more. Bring your family and friends, this FREE event hosted by Bessemer City is open to the public and can be enjoyed by all ages.
James C. Biggers Exhibit Opening Reception
Join the Gaston County Museum of Art & History in celebrating Juneteenth through the lens of one of the most significant Gaston County African American artists of our time. “People, Places & Promises” takes the viewer on a journey of discovery through color, form, and geometric patterns that illuminate the artwork of one of Gastonia’s most prominent arts educators. This art will be on display at the museum this summer
On Saturday June 19th, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM, the museum is hosting an opening night reception for the new James C. Biggers exhibit. Mr. Biggers is one of the most prominent and important African-American artists in our county’s history and it’s really exciting to have his work represented at the museum.
Ebonyfest at Rotary Pavilion in Gastonia
Also happening Saturday, from 12-5 p.m. at the Rotary Pavilion right next to the Administration Building in Gastonia, will be the third annual Ebonyfest: Juneteenth Festival. This event will support black owned businesses and will feature live entertainment, kids activities, vendors, food trucks, giveaways, and more. For more information email info.ebonyfest@gmail.com or call 704-659-4597. #fortheculture.
2021 Belmont Juneteenth Celebration
Virtual Family & Friends Freedom Walk (2K) Join the 10th Anniversary Belmont Juneteenth Celebration by taking a 2K walk with family or friends. Register your whole family or group of friends. Walk anywhere you choose, at the time of your choice between June 13 and June 30. Post your photos with #EOEFamily&FriendsFreedomWalk. We'll share them on our Facebook pages. This is a noncompetitive walk to promote wellness and unity.
Belmont Juneteenth Parade. Decorate your vehicle and line up for the 10th Anniversary Belmont Juneteenth Celebration Parade! We will process through downtown Belmont, across the boulevard and end at Belmont Abbey College. Families are welcome. Space is available for a limited number of participants. Parade footage will be included in our upcoming documentary. The parade will be broadcast on the Montcross Area Chamber webcam. Invite your family and friends to host watch parties.
Belmont Juneteenth Celebration T-Shirt Celebrate and show your Juneteenth pride all year with this iconic T-shirt! The 2020 edition features the Belmont Juneteenth Celebration logo on a white shirt. Be one of the first to wear the NEW version! Local Orders: Delivery is available within 15 miles for a small fee or free for orders of $60.00 or more. Email questions to: ElementsOfEmpowerment@gmail.com
Savvy Citizen: A Gaston County Podcast
As cities, towns and the county itself passes proclamations recognizing Juneteenth, events celebrating the final emancipation of slaves in Galveston, Texas are scheduled across Gaston County. We speak to the organizers of events in Belmont, Bessemer City and Gastonia for a look inside what to expect and how these celebrations can bring about a greater sense of unity in our communities.
