History
(from the Charleston Gazette-Mail, ‘Let this be a learning moment’: Charleston and Huntington set Juneteenth events):
West Virginia was founded during the Civil War after secession from Virginia on June 20, 1863 — a choice made by the new state’s leaders because of regional disagreements on taxation, representation and slavery in the United States.
Despite the state’s separation from Virginia in order to join the Union, and President Abraham Lincoln’s Sept. 22, 1862, issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation which ended slavery in southern states on Jan. 1, 1863, African Americans were still enslaved for more than two years in West Virginia until Feb. 3, 1865.
Because of a mix of poor communication and intentional delays by enslavers, news of emancipation took two years after the initial executive order to reach the last enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, the farthest reaches of the United States at the time. The day that the news of freedom completed its journey — June 19, 1865 — became known as Juneteenth, a day to remember the history of enslavement and commemorate the freedom of African Americans in the United States.
More on Juneteenth and West Virginia’s Freedom Day from Black by God
2025 Juneteenth Events
(Compiled from Black by God, the Charleston Gazette-Mail, and the Juneteenth Charleston & Huntington Juneteenth Facebook pages)
Thursday, June 19 @ 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Juneteenth Kick-Off
WV State Capitol, Lower Rotunda, Charleston, WV
Gather in the Lower Rotunda – 11:00 am
Noon to 1:00 pm – Speakers discussing the History of Juneteenth, Contributions of Blacks to WV & Plan to Governor to Address Poverty Across WV
Let’s Be Visible, Vocal, Vigilant!
From the Rev. Matthew Watts: [Governor] Morrisey has ended DEI, shut -down the state [Office of Equal Opportunity], cancelled the state Juneteenth observance, appears to be preparing to shut-down the Herbert Henderson Office of Minority Affairs, West Virginia Office of Minority Health and the West Virginia Women’s Commission. And the Work of West Human Rights Commission does not appear to have much of a priority.
A spirited rally at the Capitol could serve as a catalyst to infuse energy into the veins of the 2025 Juneteenth Observance and ignite a movement. We should not accept Morrissey’s unilateral cancellation of the state Juneteenth observance without publicly voicing our collective displeasure with his actions. The WV Capitol grounds belong to We the People.
Related New & Commentary:
- Morrisey, who ended DEI in West Virginia, doesn’t think Juneteenth is worth a state holiday
- Most Juneteenth festivities in Charleston to get underway a day later after Gov. Morrisey announces state workers won’t get the day off
Thursday, June 19 @ 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Fireside Chat with Roland Martin
Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center 200 Civic Center Dr., Charleston, WV
A powerful and timely Fireside Chat with acclaimed journalist, author, and political commentator Roland Martin, as part of our Juneteenth 2025 commemorations. In a candid conversation, Martin will reflect on the legacy of Juneteenth, the ongoing struggle for Black freedom and justice, and the role of media, activism, and civic engagement in shaping the future of American democracy. The free event is open to the public with registration required.
Thursday, June 19 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
West Virginia’s 2nd Annual Juneteenth Farm to Table Dinner
Capitol Market 800 Smith St., Charleston, WV
Honoring West Virginia’s history, culture, and food: the 2nd Annual Juneteenth Farm to Table Dinner is a powerful celebration of freedom, heritage, and Appalachian pride. This special evening brings together the rich agricultural traditions of the Mountain State with the deep cultural significance of Juneteenth—honoring the legacy of Black West Virginians whose stories have shaped our state. Set in the heart of West Virginia, the dinner features a thoughtfully curated, locally sourced menu from Chef Ke that blends the soulful roots of African American cuisine with Appalachian flavors and ingredients. Enjoy live music, storytelling, and fellowship as we gather at the table to honor the past, uplift the present, and celebrate a future built on resilience, unity, and shared history.
Thursday, June 19 @ 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Neighborhood Stroll
Walk through the Fairfield neighborhood in Huntington, home to Carter G. Woodson, considered the Father of Black History. The walk begins at Mammus’ Kitchen restaurant, 1525 Ninth Ave., and will proceed to the Woodson Memorial Statue on Hal Greer Boulevard and other community landmarks before returning to Mammus’ Kitchen for refreshments, music and activities for children. For more information, call Marijayne Crawford at 681-203-7130 or visit facebook.com/HuntingtonJuneteenth.
Thursday, June 19 @ 7:00 pm – 9:15 pm
Juneteenth Celebration, Event Kick Off
The Granada Theater 537 Commerce St., Bluefield, WV
Kick-off the city’s Juneteenth Celebration with the FREE movie showing of The Six Triple Eight. During World War II, the US Army’s only all-Black, all-women battalion takes on an impossible mission: sorting through a three-year backlog of 17 million pieces of mail that had not been delivered to American soldiers and finished within six months.
Presented by the Juneteenth Commission of Mercer County
Thursday, June 19 @ 8:00 pm – 9:00 pm
123 Pleasant St 123 Pleasant Street, Morgantown, WV
Thursday, June 19 @ 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm
“Dress to Impress” Juneteenth Ball
Juanito’s Tavern 608 Bellview Blvd, Fairmont, WV
Friday, June 20 @ 11:30 am – 4:00 pm
Charleston Juneteenth Parade and Festival
11:30 am Juneteenth Parade, 314 Donnally St., Charleston, WV.
The parade begins at the MLK Jr. Center and ends at the Slack Plaza in downtown Charleston.
Noon – 4 pm Juneteenth Festival, City Center at Slack Plaza, 182 Summers St., Charleston.
Featuring food, music, and community activities.
For more information contact Tonya Wilson 681-265-2231 Dr. Smith 304-988-5952 or visit https://www.facebook.com/people/Juneteenth-Charleston-WV/61556895760607/.
Friday, June 20 @ 6:00 pm -10:00 pm
Juneteenth Sparkle & Shine Soirée
Knights of Columbus Hall, 1429 Sixth Ave., Huntington, WV
Guests are invited to dance and eat at this fundraising soirée. Proceeds from ticket sales will be split between the Juneteenth festival fund and the nonprofit A Queen’s Dream. Tickets are $25. For more information, call Marijayne Crawford at 681-203-7130 or visit facebook.com/HuntingtonJuneteenth.
Saturday, June 21 @ Noon – 6:00 pm
Huntington Juneteenth Festival
Ritter Park, 910 13th Ave., Huntington, WV
Featuring an assortment of food vendors, retail vendors and additional resources.