Juneteenth Celebration in Aiken

The Center for African American History, Art, and Culture and the Aiken Corporation will present a special “Juneteenth” celebration on Saturday, June 16 at Perry Park in Aiken. The event will include historical reenactments, traveling exhibits, and more. SC Humanities supported this project with a Mini Grant in May 2012.

Juneteenth is a celebration that honors African American heritage by commemorating the announcement of the abolition of slavery in Texas in 1865. The Center for African American History, Art, and Culture celebrates Juneteenth in Aiken annually.

The 2012 event is titled “Juneteenth: Celebrating the Good News” and will take place on Saturday, June 16 from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. at Perry Park behind Schofield Middle School in Aiken. The admission is free. Some of the special events will include a historic reenactment of the 1865 announcement of abolition by the Mounted Patrol of Aiken, SC and the local Buffalo Soldiers, arranged by Wayne O’Bryant. Additionally, George Bryant will present his traveling museum that has over 500 artifacts related to slavery and African American history. Other events include concerts by local gospel choirs, face painting, a silent auction, and more.

For more information about the event, visit the website of the Center for African American History, Art, and Culture: http://aikenculturalcenter.org/mainsite/.

The mission of SC Humanities is to enrich the cultural and intellectual lives of all South Carolinians. SC Humanities programs and initiatives are balanced, reflecting sensitivity to the diversity of ideas, encourage open dialogue, demonstrate integrity, and are ethical in operations.