The 25th annual Juneteenth Festival of the Carolinas kicks off Friday in Plaza Midwood and will continue all weekend.
The weekend’s celebration will kick off at 5 p.m. Friday with a drum circle in front of House of Africa, owned by the festival’s president and founder, Pape Ndiaye.
“In African culture, we believe that the drum is a symbol of communication. and communication will unify and that’s why we open with the annual drum circle, a call to the ancestors. We call everyone to come out and let’s come on and celebrate a piece of American history.”
There will be a march on Saturday, as well as music and dance performances, food vendors, a fashion show, free health screenings, and more. The celebration will continue the next day with Sunday service, a gospel performance, and children’s programming.
More information is available at Juneteenthofthecarolinas.com.