Catawba County News
County-Wide Juneteenth Celebration
Published: June 13, 2022
Juneteenth (short for “June Nineteenth”) marks the day when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas in 1865 to proclaim that all enslaved people were free. The troops’ arrival came a full two and a half years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. Juneteenth is our country’s second independence day and honors the end to slavery in the United States. On June 17, 2021, it officially became a federal holiday.
From June 9th-June 20th, Catawba County agencies and organizations will commemorate Juneteenth with celebrations, performances, parades, guest speakers, revival, resource fairs, informative programing, and family gatherings. It is a time for reflection and rejoicing. It is a time for empowerment and excellence. It is a time for community and togetherness. We invite you to join in the celebration.
As a partner for the 2022 Juneteenth county-wide celebration, the Catawba County Library System will be hosting the events listed below:
Film Viewing and Discussion
Monday, June 13 at 5:30 pm
Main Library in Newton
Join us for a special Juneteenth viewing and discussion of the documentary True Justice, following 30 years of Equal Justice Initiative’s work on behalf of the poor, the incarcerated, and the condemned. In collaboration with the Community Remembrance Project, this program is open to the public. For more information, please call 828-465-9494.
Juneteenth Poster Making Workshop
Wednesday, June 15 at 6 pm
Main Library in Newton
Make a sign or design a button to commemorate Juneteenth 2022! Learn more about the history of Juneteenth during the workshop. While supplies will be provided, participants are encouraged to bring their own poster. For more information, please
call 828-465-9494.
Black History Discussion Group
Thursday, June 16 at 6 pm
Main Library in Newton
In celebration of Juneteenth, the group will partner with the Office of Multicultural Affairs at Catawba Valley Community College to recognize the accomplishments and work of the 2022 CVCC Multicultural Series Community Leader Award recipients.
Mountain View Book Buzz – Book Club
Monday, June 20 at 6 pm
Southwest Branch Library
Join us as we discuss We Are Not Like Them by Christine Pride and Jo Piazza. All are welcome for lively conversations and lots of fun.
The Library to Go will also be attending the events listed below:
Maiden Juneteenth Celebration
Friday, June 17 from 6 - 8:30pm
Downtown Maiden
Bring your family and enjoy local food trucks, vendors, performers, and activities for the kids!
Juneteenth Freedom March
Saturday, June 18 at 9am
History Museum of Catawba County
30 N College Ave, Newton, NC 28658
The march will begin at the historic 1924 courthouse with a guest speaker, and then walk down A Street to the new courthouse for a closing ceremony.
Click here for more information, and to see the full line up of events across the county.
