Cape Charles Juneteenth Celebration

The Impact Center will host its inaugural Juneteenth Community
Celebration on June 19 at the newly restored former Cape Charles Elementary School. The free
event, themed “Education is Liberation,” will honor African American history and culture while
highlighting the enduring connection between education, freedom, and opportunity.

The day begins with the educational program Patriots of Color & Their Eastern Shore Roots
from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Doors will open at 1 p.m. Seating is limited and available on a first-come,
first-served basis. Historians and genealogists Tyrone Goodwyn, Luke Alexander, and Kevin
Eugene Graham will explore local stories that expand and enrich public understanding of the
American Revolution, offering important perspectives as communities across the nation
commemorate the 250th anniversary of America’s founding.

The outdoor community celebration, including live entertainment, vendors, student art exhibits,
horseback rides, and family activities, will begin at 3 p.m. Organizers encourage those attending
only the outdoor festivities to arrive at 3 p.m.

The outdoor program will open with a reading of General Order No. 3, the 1865 announcement
informing enslaved Texans of their freedom. The celebration will also feature a performance of
“Lift Every Voice and Sing” by acclaimed bass-baritone Alvy Powell, student artwork from
Northampton County Public Schools, cultural programming presented by Virginia Black Lifestyle
Magazine founder Cydny Neville, and music throughout the afternoon.

At 4 p.m., artist Richard Press, a graduate of Cape Charles Elementary School and Norfolk
State University, will unveil a live art installation featuring local models and guest artists
exploring themes of identity, heritage, resilience, and liberation.

Organizers say the event will also recognize the legacy of Washington-Rosenwald Schools,
which expanded educational opportunities for African American students throughout the
segregated South. The Impact Center, located in the historic school building, continues that
tradition through educational and cultural programming.

The celebration is made possible in part through inaugural-year support from Abbi and John
Custis, Taylor Bank, and the Eastern Shore of Virginia Community Foundation.
Additional heritage activities taking place in Cape Charles during the weekend include a
screening of The Native Shore at the Historic Palace Theatre, a Motown concert in Central Park,
VA250 Sailfest events in the harbor and the self-guided Invisible History of African Americans in
Cape Charles Walking Tour.

For more information, visit ccimpactcenter.org or contact Executive Director William Weeks.