CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCIV) — People across the Lowcountry marked Juneteenth Thursday with celebrations honoring the end of slavery in the United States, gathering for events filled with music, culture, education and community.
One of the day’s signature events was the International African American Museum’s third annual J.O.Y, Juneteenth on the Yard, celebration. The event featured live performances, educational opportunities, local vendors and free admission to the museum.
The celebration drew attendees from across the region, all coming together to honor Black culture, history and freedom.
“It’s a vibe. It’s a vibe,” attendee Angela Tucker said. “Listen, it feels so free. It feels so amazing to be out here on such a freedom day with all my beautiful Black people and Black family.”
Tucker said Juneteenth serves as a reminder of Black excellence and achievement.
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“Black excellence is what we’re standing in front of right now. Black history, Black art, Black people, Black music — just everything Black is Black excellence for me,” Tucker said. “But excellence is more so what you want, what you’re going to create and how you’re going to get it.”
IAAM President and CEO Dr. Tonya Matthews emphasized that Juneteenth is not just African American history — it’s American history.
“It reminds us that we are continually taking steps toward becoming a more perfect union,” Matthews said.
She added that the holiday highlights the importance of building community and bringing people together.
“It’s all of us together. This is what the culture is,” Matthews said. “Juneteenth is for everyone. We want to spread the joy, we want to spread the work, and we definitely want to have everyone come and celebrate with us.”
While many attendees spent the day dancing, shopping and enjoying performances outside, others took advantage of the opportunity to learn more about African American history inside the museum.
“The scripture for the day is that where the spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom,” attendee Anna Lily Williams said. “We’re just thankful to be here and learn and be here for free as well.”
For those who missed this year’s celebration, Williams offered a message of encouragement.
“To anybody who missed out, and especially if you’re Black, don’t miss next year, because this is a time and moment where you should be free.”
The celebration continued into the evening across Charleston, including the city’s Juneteenth Block Party, where live music and performances, including a Michael Jackson tribute show, kept the spirit of the holiday alive.
Organizers say Juneteenth remains an opportunity not only to reflect on the nation’s history, but also to celebrate freedom, resilience and the strength of community.
