Fayetteville prepares to celebrate Juneteenth

By Staff Report, posted Apr 1, 2025 on BizFayetteville.com

Juneteenth, a holiday celebrating the history and culture of Black Americans, is a big day for communities around the country. Some of Fayetteville’s organizations have come together to organize events honoring this holiday and the people it uplifts.

On behalf of the City of Fayetteville, Cool Spring Downtown District (CSDD) is delighted to announce the fifth annual Juneteenth Jubilee. This celebration will kick off in the heart of downtown on Saturday, June 14, 2025 in Festival Park (335 Ray Avenue) from 3:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

This year’s event, Juneteenth Jubilee: Sovereign, strives to offer a thoughtfully curated, inclusive, educational and joyfully entertaining event for all. This year, CSDD will be amplifying the accomplishments and contributions of Black Women in the culture and in the community. The Jubilee will feature nationally touring headliners, local performance acts, food trucks, small-business and corporate vendors, artists/artisans, history, games and other entertainment for the whole family.

Organizers are excited to announce the musical talent for this year’s celebration. The opening headliner is Rissi Palmer. While she made her mark in Country Music, she is equally at home in R&B music, bringing the entire spectrum of popular music to bear on music she calls “Southern Soul.” As a passionate voice for country artists of color and those who have been marginalized in mainstream country music, Rissi launched her own radio show Color Me Country with Rissi Palmer on Apple Music Country. Rissi is also a Special Correspondent for CMT's Hot 20 Countdown.

The marquee headliner this year is Tank and the Bangas. The lead vocalist, Tank, has stretched her vocals over quirky raps, poetry and rich melodies since the release of their first album, Think Tank in 2013. Four years later, they had a viral breakthrough as the winners of the NPR Tiny Desk Contest. In 2024, Tank and the Bangas released a new 3-part album The Heart, The Mind, and The Soul, a recent winner for Best Spoken Word Poetry Album for The Heart, The Mind, The Soul at the 2025 GRAMMYs. “This Black Girl” is a self-proclamation of the beauty and transformative power of Black woman/girlhood. With The Heart, The Mind, and The Soul, Tank and the Bangas affirm the thoughts, feelings, and complexities of these key parts of self.

This year CSDD is pleased to announce a partnership with the Miss Juneteenth Fayetteville Scholarship Pageant, with a crowning ceremony to take place during the Jubilee. For more information regarding the pageant, contact J19 Unity Pageant Director, Linyi Ridgell, via Facebook (@juneteenth.queens.fayetteville.nc).

The City of Fayetteville are the title sponsors of the Juneteenth Jubilee.

“Juneteenth event is about commemorating a pivotal moment in history; and affirming our commitment to diversity, equality and community,” shared City of Fayetteville Mayor Mitch Colvin in a press release. “It’s an opportunity for us to reflect on our past, celebrate progress and unite in our ongoing journey towards a more inclusive and equitable future.”

CSDD’s Interim President/CEO, Ashanti Bennett, shares the spirit for this year’s event, stating in a press release: “Every year that we do this event feels significant, but this year, in particular, we want to mindfully offer a space for reflection and joy, as we ponder events from the past, their re-emergence in the contemporary landscape and the potential impact on a transcendental future. Gathering in unity and love is a powerful balm during uncertain times.”

The current list of confirmed Juneteenth Jubilee event sponsors includes ABC-11, Healy Wholesale Company, Inc., Beasley Media Group, Cumulus Media, and Duke Energy with additional sponsorships pending. To learn more about becoming a Juneteenth Jubilee sponsor, please email Ashanti Bennett, CSDD Interim President/CEO at ashanti@coolspringfay.org.

For more information or vendor application links, please visit CSDD's website at visitdowntownfayetteville.com. Vendor applications are open on Eventeny.com; the deadline to apply is Tues, April 2, 2025. Visitors and residents of Cumberland County may follow CSDD’s efforts and announcements on their website at visitdowntownfayetteville.com, as well as on social media on Facebook at @CoolSpringFAY.org or @downtownfayetteville, or on Instagram at @coolspringdowntowndistrict or @downtownfay.

But the celebration doesn’t stop there. Circa 1865 Inc., in partnership with Book Black Women Inc. and No Longer Bound Entertainment, is thrilled to announce the return of its highly anticipated multi-day event, Juneteenth In The Ville (previously The Juneteenth Celebration), taking place from June 19–21, 2025. This series of events celebrates African-American culture, history, and heritage through authentic, immersive experiences designed to educate and entertain.

Thanks to a $7,100 Project Support Grant from the Arts Council of Fayetteville-Cumberland County, this year’s event will expand to include three impactful programs that uplift the local community and honor the significance of Juneteenth.

Event highlights include:

June 19, 2025 – 400 Years: The Evolution of Black America

This original stage play by Ayana Washington and Cerina Johnson returns for its third production. This powerful 90-minute performance uses song, dance, and visuals to guide audiences through 400 years of Black history, celebrating resilience and educating through entertainment.

June 20, 2025 – The Freedom Block Party

A free community event, the Freedom Block Party will transform the streets into a lively celebration of Black excellence. Attendees can enjoy live music from local artists, shop from Black-owned businesses, and participate in interactive and educational cultural performances.

June 21, 2025 – The Heritage Brunch

This ticketed gathering offers a meaningful exploration of the connections between Juneteenth and local history. Expanded to accommodate more attendees, the brunch will feature local artists, engaging programming, and an enriched culinary experience.

Juneteenth In The Ville increases access to arts, culture, and history programming for residents of Cumberland County and beyond. By providing platforms for culturally sensitive artistry and fostering community engagement, this event celebrates African-American contributions while creating spaces for unity and dialogue across racial and generational divides.

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