The Greater Prince William community is gearing up for the 4th Annual Juneteenth Parade, which will be held on June 19 at Prince William Forest Park.
Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the U.S., marking the 159th anniversary of Union General Gordon Granger’s announcement of the end of slavery in Texas. This year, the event will honor the contributions of the “Divine 9,” a group of historically Black fraternities and sororities that have supported Black communities for over a century.
Formerly known as the Dumfries Juneteenth Parade, the event is now organized in partnership with the National Park Service and The Virginia Black Lifestyle Magazine. The celebration will begin at 10 a.m., with free entry to the park for all attendees. Following the parade, a self-guided Family Jubilee will allow participants to explore Black Heritage sites within the park, including Pyrite Mine, Amidon Farm, Clifton Mill, and more.
The Juneteenth Program, which will follow the parade, will feature notable speakers and presentations, including Pastor William Archer as the program MC, Juneteenth haikus by Kim B. Miller, a family presentation by Mr. John Reid, and remarks from members of the Divine Nine and the Rep. Abigail Spanberger, (D-7th, Woodbridge, Stafford, Fredericksburg) Congressional District Representative. Melissa Weih of the National Park Service will discuss Black Heritage at Prince William Forest Park.
Participants are encouraged to bring blankets, chairs, packed meals, and water to enjoy the Family Jubilee portion of the event. The park offers several amenities, such as water fountains, restrooms, picnic areas, and grills. Spectators are advised to arrive by 9:30 am for optimal viewing. Volunteers interested in helping with the event can contact the organizers by email at [email protected] by June 17.
The parade has been held in Dumfries in the past. This year, the town is hosting a different Juneteenth event.
Author
Recent Stories
From left to right: NOVEC’s Jake Till, Caleb Barton, Ben Williams, Hunter Partlowe, Connor Jost and Jeremy Jenkins helped lineworkers at Southside Electric Cooperative restore electricity for residents. [Photo courtesy…
Students in Stafford and King George counties will start school later than usual today due to extreme cold weather conditions.
In Stafford County, all schools will open on a two-hour delay to ensure the safety of students and staff during the frigid morning temperatures.
Similarly, King George County Schools announced a two-hour delay due to cold and inclement weather.
Families are encouraged to monitor updates from their respective school systems for any further changes. Stay warm and safe.
Commuter traffic in the Washington, D.C. metro area is set to surge as President Donald Trump issues an executive order ending remote work for federal employees. The Center Square reports that Trump’s directive mandates federal workers return to their offices full-time, with limited exemptions determined by department heads. The move is welcomed by regional leaders like Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin and D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, who have long urged a return to in-person work to bolster public transit ridership and address underused federal buildings. Federal employees, who constitute a significant portion of D.C.-area residents, are pivotal to the region’s economy.
Fire investigators are still searching for answers in two recent fires that caused significant damage in Fredericksburg and Woodbridge. The December 5 blaze at Eagle Village Shopping Center began in the warehouse of Play It Again Sports and quickly spread, destroying multiple businesses. Despite extensive efforts, investigators have been unable to determine the fire’s cause. Meanwhile, a January 21 townhouse fire in Woodbridge displaced two residents after unattended cooking sparked flames. Working smoke detectors alerted the occupants, allowing them to escape safely. Both incidents highlight the importance of fire safety and preparedness as investigations into the causes continue.
Travel to French soil and join us for a night filled with two of the most beloved French traditions—no plane ticket required! ?
On January 25th, we invite you to experience the magic of Galette des Rois, a 700-year-old tradition celebrated across France throughout the entire month of January (and even beyond!). This sweet, almond-filled puff pastry topped with a golden crown isn’t just a treat—it’s a celebration! The lucky person who finds the fève (a porcelain charm hidden in one of the slices) becomes the King or Queen for the Day, and don’t worry—there will be plenty of royalty to go around! ??
But that’s not all! In France, Les Voeux (New Year’s wishes) continue throughout January, often accompanied by Champagne and good cheer. We’re bringing that festive spirit to you, with a lively evening packed with French food, wine, and music.
What’s in store:
Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra,
this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
