Here are 5 ways to celebrate Juneteenth in and around the Myrtle Beach area
As June 19 nears, the Grand Strand is preparing to celebrate Juneteenth. Although South Carolina still doesn’t recognize the holiday, Juneteenth was nationally recognized in 2021.
The Emancipation Proclamation was issued Sept. 22, 1862 and took effect Jan. 1, 1863, but it would be a full 900 days before the proclamation was enforced in Texas.
At the time news traveled slowly and many slave owners around the Southeast evading the Union army fled to Texas, forcing an estimated 150,000 enslaved Black people down with them.
On June 19, 1865, Union Major General Gordon Granger issued the order that “the people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free.”
Also known as Jubilee Day or Emancipation Day, Juneteenth is celebrated as a marker of liberation by many every year. This year, the Myrtle Beach area will feature concerts, expositions and more. Here are some of the biggest celebrations to check out.
Georgetown County Library Juneteenth Festival
June 14, 16 and 17
Various times
405 Cleland Street, Georgetown, SC 29440
Georgetown County Library is debuting its inaugural Juneteenth Festival this year with line dancing, a writer’s circle, food, crafts and more. At the Black Business Expo, visitors can explore Black-owned businesses, shop local vendors, attend workshops and enjoy live performances. The Artist Alleys will offer Gullah dollmaking and storytelling, with cakes and books available for purchase.
Myrtle Beach Juneteenth Celebration
June 14
2- 8 p.m.
1420 Carver St., Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
The city of Myrtle Beach’s annual Juneteenth celebration will bring food and craft vendors, a kids’ fun zone and live performances to Charlie’s Place on Saturday. Visitors are encouraged to bring a lawn chair and enjoy the celebration of freedom, unity and community. In the event of inclement weather, festivities will move indoors to the Mary C. Canty Recreation Center at 971 Canal Street.
Brookgreen Gardens Juneteenth Program: Gullah Storytelling
June 18
10:30 - 11:30 a.m.
1931 Brookgreen Drive, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576
Brookgreen Gardens will host a Juneteenth Program to honor freedom, heritage and resilience through storytelling for all ages. Gullah storyteller Frank Murray will share oral traditions and insight into the lives, culture and wisdom of the Gullah Geechee people. The event is free for members and included in garden admission for non-members. All attendees must register, which can be completed online here.
Pawleys Island Festival of Music and Art Juneteenth Celebration
June 18
5 p.m.
1067 Petigru Drive, Pawleys Island, SC 29585
Pawleys Island Festival of Music and Art will celebrate Juneteenth with an evening of African American heritage, music, culture and history at The Quad. The free event will feature emcee and historian Lee Brockington on how blues shaped African American resilience and influenced American music. Visitors are encouraged to bring lawnchairs to enjoy the music of blues guitarist Mac Arnold and Plate Full O’Blues, as well as food and drinks for purchase.
Atlantic Beach Juneteenth Celebration Festival
June 21
1 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Atlantic Beach, SC
The town of Atlantic Beach is partnering with the United Communities Assistance Network for an unforgettable Juneteenth festival. The celebration will feature Gullah Geechee cultural showcases, food, contests, live performances and even a flash mob. Before the event, bikers and drivers can meet in Shallotte, North Carolina, for a motorcycle freedom ride down the Gullah Geechee corridor.