As Juneteenth approaches, the HRPDC is reminded of the deep and rich history of Black people in Hampton Roads and the important role this region has played in the struggle for freedom and equality.  From the arrival of the first enslaved Africans in 1619 at what is now known as Fort Monroe in Hampton, Virginia, (which would later be characterized as the “Freedom Fortress” after enslaved people fled there to be granted amnesty) to the Civil Rights Movement of the 20th century, the story of Black people in Hampton Roads is a story of resilience, perseverance, and determination.

To celebrate Juneteenth this year, the HRPDC invites organizations and groups within the Hampton Roads region who are planning Juneteenth events to share their information with us. We are putting together a regional Juneteenth calendar of events, and we want to make sure that all the great programming happening throughout the region is included.

The HRPDC encourages our localities to consider this opportunity to help share their own history as it relates to Juneteenth. Whether it's through historical tours, educational seminars, or community events, we believe that sharing our stories can help to build understanding and foster a greater appreciation for the contributions of Black people in our region.

If you or your organization are planning a Juneteenth event, the HRPDC invites you to send your information to us at titlevi@hrpdcva.gov, or you can fill out the event form here: https://forms.office.com/r/dq7nJMMqVq. Whether it's a parade, a concert, a historical tour, or an educational seminar, we want to hear about it. By working together, we can create a comprehensive calendar of events that honors the legacy of those who fought for freedom and equality, while also celebrating the rich history and culture of Black people in Hampton Roads.

Thank you for your commitment to making Juneteenth a special and meaningful day in our community. We look forward to hearing from you and sharing your event information with our community.

Submission Link: https://forms.office.com/r/dq7nJMMqVq

Example Submission:

*** Please note the information below is not a real event and is just an example. ***

Event Title: Juneteenth at the Park

Event Location: 123 ABC Street, Chesapeake, VA 23320

Event Cost: Free

Event Date: June 19, 2023

Event Time: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Event Link: www.hrpdcva.gov

Event Description: Please join us for a celebration and reflection of the liberation journey of Black people, and those within the Black diaspora. Listen to poems and spoken word by local artists commemorating the various experiences of Black people, enjoy a mix of traditional and innovative dishes inspired by Black culture and history, and vibe to the sounds of expression and celebration curated by our local DJ.  Reflect on and honor the history that is so integral to our identity as Hampton Roads!

Is registration required? No registration is required.

Accessibility: We are happy to try our best to provide accommodation for our guests that may require additional assistance. For any accommodation requests, we kindly ask that you contact us at least 48 hours in advance of the event at titlevi@hrpdcva.gov.

Advisory note: As you plan events, we strongly encourage everyone to consider accessibility needs and concerns to ensure that Juneteenth programming and events are available to as many as possible. Should you have any questions about this, please do not hesitate to reach out to me directly at qmclaurin@hrpdcva.gov.