Hardeman County Commission for Black History Celebrates its 26th Juneteenth

06/19/2024 Whiteville

Children enjoyed being creative with paint at the Hardeman County Commission for Black History Juneteenth Celebration.

The Hardeman County Commission for Black History (HCCBH) held its 26th Annual Juneteenth Celebration in Whiteville on Saturday, June 15, 2024, at Whiteville City Park. The afternoon included a full line up of activities and presenters, ending the celebration with a performance by music artist Caleb Minter.

Despite the high temperatures, celebration goers of all ages came out and enjoyed the park that was filled with vendors, food trucks, and activities for the children. Presentations included D.J. Captain ‘D’; a poetry moment; Ms. Ocie Holmes who sang “Lift Every Voice and Sing’, regularly referred to as the “The Black National Anthem”; People Link Under God (P.L.U.G.); Whiteville Elementary School; Total Transformation; Vicki Hill with an Inspirational Movement; saxophonist Ron Mabon; Jr. Cheairs “hyped up the crowd”; and the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Mu Zeta Zeta Chapter stepped.

Caleb Minter brought rhythm and music, entertaining the crowd. Picture courtesy of Currie Gibson.

“The Whiteville citizens seemed to like the event and from comments on Facebook, there were a lot of ‘thank you for allowing us to be there’ from people,” said Lesa Jones of the HCCBH, who shared one of the reasons the event is held each year. “It is important to make the people aware and know, because we were celebrating before it was a holiday. Now that is it is a holiday, people really need to know why they celebrate.”