Juneteenth celebration in University City highlights African American culture

CHARLOTTE — People came together Wednesdayin University City to celebrate African American art, music, and culture.

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This was the first year for the Juneteenth Arts Fest in University City where there were a variety of activities to educate people of all backgrounds about the cultural and historical significance of June 19, 1865.

Performances and music were scheduled throughout the afternoon and evening. There were also vendors and artists centered on African American culture and emancipation.

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“We also experienced segregation in South Africa, and I think we share the same sentiments with a lot of Black Americans,” said Ntombizandile Luvono, a vendor.

It was Luvono’s second time traveling from South Africa to Charlotte for Juneteenth.

“What I’ve seen is that they didn’t feature a lot of South African crafts and products,” Luvono told Channel 9.

There is much more than selling her custom-made creations, she said.

“I’m getting to interact with the customers,” Luvono said. “I tell them about my history also, so we share a lot of things in common.”

Organizers said the event came out of a survey sent to University City residents asking them what they would like to see more of in that part of Charlotte, which was funding for arts, culture, and events.

University City Partners received a Culture Blocks grant from Mecklenburg County to host the Juneteenth Arts Fest.

“The University City asked for this, so we provided it for them,” said Janeva Tyree, the creative arts director for the event. “If you’re pouring money into culture. If you’re pouring money into the arts, as long as it’s being distributed and we’re actually pouring back into the community, I think that is a wonderful, wonderful, wonderful thing.”

Juneteenth became the 12th national holiday which recognizes when slaves in Texas learned the Emancipation Proclamation had been signed two years earlier.

They were the last slaves to learn they were free.

“Seeing that different places are starting to do more activities and festivals for different cultures, especially Juneteenth, is definitely an eye-opener,” said attendee Indigo Williams.

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