24 th Annual Juneteenth Celebration and Unity Parade Set for June 17 in Exmore

24^th Edition of Juneteenth in Northampton County

Festivities for Northampton County’s Annual Juneteenth Celebration are set to kick off in Exmore on Saturday, June 17, 2023, with an action-packed, fun, and information-filled agenda centered on cultural pride, community, and ideas for healthier living.

Activities in the Exmore Town Park begin at 10 am with a wide array of health exhibits and free medical screenings offered by local health providers. At noon, the gala Unity Parade begins proceeding down Main Street from the intersection of Rt. 13 and Main St. to the Town Park. This year’s Grand Marshall is Pastor Felton T. Sessoms, a native of Nassawadox, VA, and a dedicated community leader with a history of activism spanning more than sixty years.  

For those interested in participating in the parade, marchers and vehicles will assemble in the parking area of the Fresh Market Plaza, located on Route 13 (Lankford Highway) in Exmore before advancing down Main Street to join the music, food vendors, games, and other activities happening in the park. Headlining the live entertainment this year is the Bridge Band RVA, known for their classic R&B and for “Connecting People with People.”

Each year, local and state officials, area health professionals, representatives from the Northampton County Sheriff’s Office, and other dignitaries take part in this county-wide observance. Juneteenth, short for June 19, is now a state and federal holiday in recognition of its importance to the principles of freedom and liberty this country was founded on.

The Annual ESVA Juneteenth Celebration for Northampton Country, the longest-running Juneteenth on the ESVA, is organized by the Juneteenth Coalition, led by Jane Cabarrus. “This is a day for communities to celebrate the things that make us stronger and more resilient, including education, our freedoms and our rich diversity,” said Ms. Cabarrus.” The history and accomplishments of African Americans here on the Eastern Shore goes back 400 years and is woven into the fabric of Northampton County. There is so much strength in this proud legacy.”

This is a family-oriented celebration of diversity and inclusion, free to attend and open to everyone.  There’s ample free parking at the Exmore Town Park. The grounds are accessible to wheelchairs and strollers. A playground for children is adjacent to the festival area.

For more information about the Unity Parade and Celebration, contact Janice Langley at jellie823@gmail.com, 757-710-0330. For general information, contact Subrina Owens Parker Northamptonnaacp7099@gmail.com 757-442-2139 or Jane Cabarrus, janecabarrus@aol.com.

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Wayne Creed

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