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.
Prince William Republican Committee: “On June 19th Republicans from Prince William County, candidates for office and members of the Republican Committee, will join their fellow Americans marching in the Dumfries Juneteenth celebration…As the party founded to fight the expansion of slavery, the Republican Party joins in this celebration of Freedom becoming a reality.”
“The parade begins [Monday, June 19, 2023] at 11 AM at the corner of UMC Dumfries, 2890 Cameron Street, and ends at the Dumfries Slave Cemetery. Those wishing to march with the Republicans are asked to park at Dumfries Elementary School and surrounding areas, and line up at Dumfries UMC no later than 10 AM.”
Stafford County Government: “Stafford offices, departments, facilities, and all courts will be closed for the Juneteenth holiday on Monday, June 19, 2023. Both locations of the R-Board/Regional Landfill (Eskimo Hill and Belman Road) will be open. Full details.”
Manassas Park City Government: “Please note the below city closures on Monday, June 19, 2023, in observance of Juneteenth. Full details“
The city will also hold a Juneteenth celebration on June 16, 2023.
Prince William County Government: “Prince William County government offices, including courts and Prince William Public Libraries, will be closed Monday, June 19 in observance of Juneteenth. The PWC Landfill and the Balls Ford Road Composting Facility will be open regular business hours, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.”
Fairfax County Government: “County Government will be closed Monday, June 19, for Juneteenth. However, some facilities are open, and schedules vary. Full details.
OmniRide: “In observance of the Juneteenth holiday, there will be no OmniRide Express bus service on Monday, June 19. OmniRide Local, East-West Express, and Metro Express will operate regular service.”
We’ll update this list as more closures come in. Tweet us @PotomacLocal
Groups will be prompted by the announcer and volunteers when to move along the route.
This is a walking parade. There will be no tossing candy along the route. The route is roughly half a mile and is handicap accessible.
