Juneteenth, now recognized as a federal holiday, commemorates when the news of emancipation of African Americans who had been enslaved in the United States was finally heard in Galveston, TX in 1865. Here is a round-up of events and ways to support Juneteenth in Lynchburg, VA on Saturday, June 19th, 2021.
Visit:
Explore African American History at Red Hill
Patrick Henry’s Red Hill is celebrating Juneteenth by offering free admission to the site on Saturday, June 19th. While visiting Red Hill, you can explore the history of the enslaved Americans and African Americans living at Red Hill from the 18th century until the mid-20th century. On that land, referred to as Quarter Place, sits a cemetery that Red Hill has maintained over the years, believing it to be a sacred burial ground for people enslaved at Red Hill, their ancestors, and family members buried after them. The Quarter Place Trail is a half-mile long, culminating at the Enslaved & African American Cemetery. A reconstructed log cabin is the starting point for the Quarter Place Trail. This cabin is a representation of the types of dwellings that the enslaved and later free black population lived in throughout the late 18th to 20th centuries. Based on the 1799 and 1802 inventories listing the enslaved people who were owned by the Henry family at Red Hill, at least 12 cabins would have been found along this Trail.
Legacy Museum of African American History
Visit the new sports exhibit at Legacy Museum. The Development of An Athlete takes the visitor on a reflective journey as it presents “Sports” in the City of Lynchburg and its four surrounding counties. The exhibition examines racial segregation, gender, perseverance, and community by presenting stories about African American athletes, as well as the coaches and environments that supported them. The museum is open Wednesday-Saturday from 12-4 PM, and Sunday from 2-4 PM.
Learn more about African American History in Lynchburg.
Watch:
Juneteenth 2021: Celebrating Our Heritage Live event
Sunset on 7th Featuring Joslyn & The Sweet Compression
Support:
- From barbecue, home cooking, and sweet treats, to pampering, shopping, and entertainment, check out our recent blog post that promotes Black businesses in LYH.
- Starr Hill on Main will be celebrating its 1-year anniversary in LYH on Saturday, June 19th. During the event, Starr Hill will release new beers, including the first LYH pilot beer, Main Street IPA; for every single pint sold all day long, Starr Hill will be donating $1 to the Legacy Museum of African American History.
- County Smoak BBQ is celebrating Juneteenth all week long. All proceeds from the special menu will be donated to the Legacy Museum of African American History. The Juneteenth special menu includes red beans & rice, cornbread, strawberry cake, and black-eyed peas.