Orange County is proud to announce its 2025 Juneteenth celebration, themed “Where Freedom Gathers, We Rise,” on Friday, June 13, 2025. This free, day-long event will honor the legacy of emancipation, uplift family reunification after enslavement, and highlight the joy, resilience, and future of African American communities across our region.
On June 3, 2025, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners approved a Juneteenth proclamation recognizing June 19 as a day to celebrate freedom and recommit to building a community rooted in truth, dignity, and repair. The full text of the proclamation is available here (http://server3.co.orange.nc.us:8088/WebLink/0/doc/75573/Page1.aspx).
The morning ceremony will run from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. at the David Price Farmers Market Pavilion (120 E. Margaret Ln., Hillsborough). Charles Newkirk will welcome guests with soulful acoustic music starting at 9:45 a.m., followed by the Orange County Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard presenting the colors. B.U.M.P. the Triangle’s Ananse Youth Choir will perform “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” and Dr. Sonny Kelly will deliver his keynote—featuring selections from The Ongoing Fight for Freedom: Stories of NC Black Veterans. The Magic of African Rhythm will close this session with celebration of unity and heritage.
From 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the Orange County Main Library (137 W. Margaret Ln., Hillsborough), attendees will enjoy a screening of HBO’s Frederick Douglass: In Five Speeches, accompanied by a catered luncheon by Taste of Soul Catering and a community dialogue.
The evening block party takes place 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Eno Arts Mill (437 Dimmocks Mill Rd., Hillsborough). Local vendors and food trucks will offer crafts and cuisine, with B.U.M.P. the Triangle’s Youth Choir and Jam Band returning as the first stop on their Juneteenth Neighborhoods Tour. The Magic of African Rhythm will then ignite the celebration with Djembe Fire!, and DJ Jay Mami will spin uplifting tracks through the night. The first 150 guests at the block party will receive a complimentary meal from one of our food trucks.
In the event of inclement weather, all outdoor activities will shift to the Whitted Building (300 W. Tryon St., Hillsborough). Any change will be announced at least 24 hours in advance, along with an program updates.
“Freedom is not a destination, it’s a journey with a lot of valleys and hills and sharp turns,” said Paul Slack, Chief Civil Rights Officer for the Orange County Office of Civil Rights & Civic Life. “Celebrating Juneteenth renews our spirits and propels us forward on that righteous expedition.”
All events are free and open to the public. Community members and local organizations are invited to volunteer or participate. For more information, updates, and volunteer opportunities, please visit www.orangecountync.gov/Juneteenth2025.
Contact:
Paul Slack
Office of Civil Rights & Civic Life
(919) 245-2594
civilrights@orangecountync.gov