Attend Free Events in Celebration of Juneteenth

In honor of Juneteenth, commemorating the freedom of African Americans in our country, join the City of Virginia Beach and our community to reflect and celebrate the enduring promise that all are, indeed, created equal.

Several City-supported events will be held in June, including programs from Virginia Beach Public Library (VBPL) and Virginia Beach Cultural Affairs.

Black Resistance: Education and Community
June 13, Noon, Virtual

Continuing a series of virtual panel discussions focused on celebrating Black history throughout the year, Cultural Affairs partnered with Norfolk State University (NSU) for events surrounding this year's Black History Month Theme, "Black Resistance." The June panel will focus on oral histories gathered from Princess Anne County Training School/Union Kempsville High School alumni, the history of Juneteenth and the impact of resistance through education and community. Panel is free, and will be hosted by NSU via Zoom starting at noon on June 13. Registration is required. Panel moderated by Dr. Cassandra Newby-Alexander, Endowed Professor of Virginia Black History and Culture, and emeritus director of the Joseph Jenkins Roberts Center for African Diaspora Studies at NSU.

African American Genealogy
June 14, 2-4 p.m., Meyera E. Oberndorf Central Library, 4100 Virginia Beach Blvd.

Wanting to discover your African American roots or not sure where to start? Learn about techniques and sources that will help you succeed in your search of your African American heritage. This program is aimed for adults. Register today as seating is limited.

Juneteenth! at the Central Library
June 15, 4-4:45 p.m., Virtual and in person at Meyera E. Oberndorf Central Library, 4100 Virginia Beach Blvd.

Learn about this important holiday with deep historic roots at the MEO Central Library. Participants will hear a story, engage in dialogue, and create a craft for the Juneteenth celebration. This program is aimed for students in grades K-5. It will be presented concurrently in person and virtually. Registration required.

After completing registration, to-go kits will be available at the MEO Central Library a week before the start of the program. Only those attending virtually will be listed to pick up to-go kits. Those attending in person will get their kits on the day of the program.

VBGIGS Presents Virginia African American Cultural Center in the ViBe Creative District
June 17, 9 a.m., ViBe Creative District, 1810 Cypress Ave.

Kick off Juneteenth weekend with an array of performers from the Virginia African American Cultural Center (VAACC). Offering performing arts, artifacts, and information, VAACC and new Executive Director Tamar Smithers will educate and connect audiences with the importance of Juneteenth. This event will bring surprise performers together with crafters and the biggest farm to table market at the oceanfront, located in the heart of the ViBe Creative District. Performances will run throughout the morning, starting at 9 a.m. This event is part of Virginia Beach's Globally Inspired Gatherings (VBGIGS) series.

Juneteenth At The Beach
June 17-19, 10 a.m., 24^th Street Stage & Park, 2400 Atlantic Ave.

TEAM LAMB and The LAMBS Foundation welcome the community for its second annual Juneteenth At The Beach festival at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront 24th Street Park. Don't miss this exciting celebration, and highly impactful weekend, jam-packed with family-friendly activities, including education, live entertainment, food, culture and connection. This festival runs from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on June 17; 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. on June 18; and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on June 19. General admission is free, but registration is required for each day. One-day and weekend VIP passes are also available.

African American Music Month Celebrating Juneteenth
June 18, 3-5 p.m., Renaissance Academy, 5100 Cleveland St.

To close out Juneteenth weekend, the Virginia Beach History Museums and Princess Anne Country Training School/Union Kempsville High School Alumni & Friends Association will host a free musical performance to celebrate African American Music Month and Juneteenth! "African American Music Month Celebrating Juneteenth" will be held from 3-5 p.m. on June 18. The Fuzz Band will take the stage outside of the Princess Anne County Training School/Union Kempsville High School Museum for a soulful celebration of music and history. Be among the first to view new and refreshed exhibits in the museum, as well as the unveiling of the original 1937 Princess Anne County Training School property deed. Seating opens at 2:30 p.m.

The Princess Anne County Training School/Union Kempsville High School Museum, located inside the Renaissance Academy, will be open during the show, allowing audiences to learn about the first high school in Virginia Beach for Black students. Advanced registration is not required for this event.

African American Book Club
June 22, 2-3 p.m., Meyera E. Oberndorf Central Library, 4100 Virginia Beach Blvd.

Participate in a discussion of "The Water Dancer" by Ta-Nehisi Coates, which provides a unique view of enslavement in the U.S. and a young man's attempt to defeat the system and find freedom for himself and others. This program is aimed for adults. Register today as seating is limited. Registration required.

After you register, pick up a copy of the book, available in hardcover, large print and audio at the Central Library or call 385-0150 to reserve. Also available for check out on Libby with your VBPL library account.

Juneteenth Movie Night
June 22, 4:30-6:30 p.m., Windsor Woods Area Library, 3612 S Plaza Trail

Come hang out at the library with a movie and snacks all in celebration of summer and Juneteenth! With popular movie options and assorted snacks to pick from, there will be something for everyone. Open to students Grades 6-12. Registration preferred but not required.

About the City of Virginia Beach Cultural Affairs Department

The Cultural Affairs Department engages residents and visitors through meaningful arts, heritage, and cultural experiences to connect and strengthen communities. The department assists and directs the Virginia Beach Arts & Humanities Commission, coordinates the City's Public Art Program, oversees the Virginia Beach History Museums, provides contract management for the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts, serves as the liaison with Virginia MOCA and the ViBe Creative District, and serves as a resource to local arts and humanities organizations.

About the City of Virginia Beach History Museums

The City of Virginia Beach History Museums include the Thoroughgood House, Francis Land House, Lynnhaven House, and Princess Anne County Training School/Union Kempsville High School Museum and are part of the City's Cultural Affairs Department. As part of the municipal government of the City of Virginia Beach, the Cultural Affairs Department engages residents and visitors through meaningful arts, heritage, and cultural experiences to connect and strengthen communities. Visit www.museumsvb.org for more information, and follow @VBHistoryMuseums on Facebook and Instagram, and @VBHistMuseums on Twitter, to stay up to date on all the events and news from Virginia Beach History Museums.

About Virginia Beach Public Library

Virginia Beach Public Library includes a central library, a joint-use library in partnership with Tidewater Community College, seven area libraries and a public law library. Services include workforce development and job-search support, small business resources, computer and technology classes, early literacy classes and outreach, and local history archives and programs. In addition to books, music, magazines and movies in tangible and digital formats, the library provides online research tools accessible from home or work, and a variety of specialty collections. Visit https://libraries.virginiabeach.gov/ for more information.