Juneteenth is a national celebration of the emancipation of formerly enslaved African Americans in the United States of America. This year will mark the 159th commemoration of the day Union General Gordon Granger led troops to Galveston Bay Texas to share the news that the Civil War ended and to read "General Order Number 3" which made it clear that slavery had been abolished in 1863 (two years prior), with the Emancipation Proclamation.
(It is important to note that President Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation of 1863 did not result in change for the nearly 250,000 enslaved African Americans in Texas and other southern states until the surrender of General Robert E. Lee).
The Greater Prince William Community is invited to celebrate freedom and unity at this year's "4th Annual Greater Prince William Juneteenth Parade" held at the National Park Service’s Prince William Forest Park - beginning at 10:00am on June 19th! This year we will convene to celebrate and honor the work of the “Divine 9” who have been steadfast in their support of Black communities world-wide, for over one hundred years! We celebrate and honor their work and dedication in our communities as we gather to celebrate Freedom!
Entry to the park is FREE on Juneteenth!
Formerly known as the “Dumfries Juneteenth Parade,” this year’s Juneteenth Parade is made possible through a partnership between the National Park Service- Prince William Forest Park and The Virginia Black Lifestyle Magazine! We welcome the community to join us for the "4th Annual Juneteenth Parade," and Program to be followed by a self-guided Family Jubilee in the Park to explore the Black Heritage sites of the Cabin Branch Community (Batestown and Hickory Ridge) such as: Pyrite Mine, Amidon Farm, Clifton Mill, Cabin Branch School, Florence's Store and more!
Immediately following the Parade, participants will indulge in our Juneteenth Program which will feature:
Pastor William Archer, Program MC
Ms. Kim B. Miller, Juneteenth Haikus
Mr. John Reid, Reid Family Presentation
Members of “The Divine Nine”
Honorable Abigail Spanberger, 7th Congressional District Representative
Ms. Melissa Weih, National Park Service - Black Heritage at Prince William Forest Park
Participants are encouraged to bring blankets, chairs, packed meals, water, and games to play outdoors for the Family Jubilee portion of the event. There will be access to all of the amenities that the park has to offer, and giveaways will be provided to complement participants’ time at Prince William Forest Park.
Note: There are several water fountains, restrooms, picnic areas, and grills available on-site.
Getting There: Use the Joplin Road entrance to the park and access the parking just before the Visitor's Center on your left. Use the following in GPS: 18170 Park Entrance Road, Triangle, VA 22172.
SPECTATORS: Please plan to arrive at the Juneteenth festivities location no later than 9:30am, so we can organize spectators along the route.
If you are interested in being a volunteer on the day of the event, please send an email to: GreaterPWJuneteenthParade@gmail.com no later than June 17th.
Reminder: Park access is FREE on Juneteenth! Marching groups and spectators will be encouraged to bring blankets, packed meals, etc. and enjoy all that Prince William Forest Park has to offer, and to take historic walking tours to visit cultural sites that are relevant to local Black Heritage on the premises.
Register:
Spectators: Register here.
Connect:
Join our Juneteenth Parade Facebook page!
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