GASTONIA, N.C. — People took to the streets of Gastonia in celebration Sunday for the second day of Ebony Fest ahead of Juneteenth.
Mrs. Dot Guthrie, a leader in the community, led this year’s parade. Guthrie served on Gaston County’s Board of Education and helped found the area’s African American Museum of History and Culture.
[ ALSO READ: 2023 Juneteenth celebrations in the Charlotte area ]
Channel 9 spoke with Guthrie about the importance of remembering the past to help the future.
“Because it’s nothing lost; it’s our history; we’ve got to know our history. We have to teach the young ones coming up behind our rich history that this is our freedom day.” Guthrie said.
Monday night’s fireworks show has been canceled.
(WATCH BELOW: Charlotte FC teams up with local running club to celebrate Juneteenth)
This browser does not support the video element.