Most Onslow County offices and operations will be closed on Monday, June 19, 2023, in observance of the Juneteenth Holiday. This includes the Onslow County Government Center, Senior Services, Consolidated Human Services, Landfill, Animal Services Shelter, Library Branches & the Museum. The Onslow County Board of Commissioners’ Regular Meeting that would ordinarily be held on the third Monday of the month has been moved to 6PM Wednesday, June 21, 2023, due to the holiday observance.
On Friday, June 16, 2023, the Onslow Civic Affairs Committee will host three events at three separate locations. The first is at 8:30AM at the Consolidated Health and Human Services Agency building, the second is at 9:30AM at the Jacksonville City Hall, and the third event is at 10:30AM at the Onslow County Government Center.
The observances will feature Crystal Blockett singing Lift Every Voice and Sing, a powerful anthem known for voicing a cry for liberation and affirmation of African American people. The history of the Juneteenth holiday, the historical connections and a reflection by Mario Harris as the invited speaker will be components of the presentations by the Onslow Civic Affairs Committee.
Onslow County Parks and Recreation is partnering with the Onslow County Social Services Black History Committee to bring the community together for the inaugural Juneteenth Heritage Festival. The free event takes place on Saturday, June 24 from 1-6PM at Onslow Pines Park located at 1250 Onslow Pines Road, Jacksonville.
The celebration will feature music and live entertainment from Suah African Dance Theatre, the Throwback Collaboration Band, food trucks, vendors, spoken word, games, an interactive trail to learn about the history of Juneteenth, water play, and more. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own charcoal grill and food for this “backyard BBQ, family reunion experience.”
LaQuesha Cadwallader, Recreation Program Supervisor, says this celebration will be for all families and will focus on the togetherness of our community. “This family tradition became a tangible symbol of memory and resilience that endured slavery. Today, African American family reunions continue as an intergenerational celebration of community, fellowship and heritage.
Media are welcome to attend and cover the events. The Onslow Civic Affairs Committee City Hall observance will be recorded and video from the observance will be available for media.