Kinston will be holding its annual Juneteenth celebration, this upcoming Saturday, June 17th, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., at the African American Music Trail Park. The celebration, hosted by the Neuse Regional Library, is expecting a huge turnout.  

“The turnout has been great for the last two years. The acts have gotten bigger and bigger. This year we are expecting even more. We have some performers that are high profile, as opposed to a couple times in the past,” said Christopher Nelson. 

Nelson, the engagement librarian at Neuse Reginal Library, has organized the event for the past few years. He is the adult programmer at the library and has a history of hosting a multitude of events for the library.  

“We plan monthly programming based on certain themes and activities, and this is our biggest event that we've had for the past few years. It is the big one we have every year now, and that's the one I've been planning along with a lot of the whole at the library,” said Nelson. 

 The celebration will be comprised of small businesses and vendors selling merchandise. Live gospel, rap, and jazz music will be performed by many artists from different backgrounds. 

“We will have a jazz pianist; her name is Le’Andra McPhatter,” said Nelson. “We will also have a gospel singer, named Mary Williams. DJ KAOSS of WIKS 101.9 KISS FM will be emceeing the event.” 

In between the live music, speakers are invited on stage to talk about their experiences and celebrate the holiday together. Speakers will include nationally recognized Juneteenth storyteller Mitch Capel, mayor Don Hardy, and many others sprinkled throughout the festival. 

“It's great to have an opportunity to put it right here in the heart of the instrument. We’re trying to keep it fun, but also with a focus on education,” said Nelson. “We get people to come out and celebrate and be a part of it, learn about Juneteenth, and people are nice to each other. It's a huge part of our history, especially to African Americans.”