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THANK YOU SPONSORS, GUEST SPEAKERS, AND FUTURE ATTENDEES FOR SUPPORTING THE 2026 CAPITAL CITY JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION!!!

Juneteenth Raleigh Itinerary

A celebration of freedom, history, culture, and community.

2:00 – 2:10

Welcome and Prayer — Rev. Dr. Steven L. Lyons, St. Paul AME Church, Raleigh

2:10 – 2:20

Dignitary Comments — Mayor Janet Cowell and Deshea from Dix Park

2:20 – 2:25

“Lift Every Voice and Sing” — India Williams

2:25 – 2:40

Desi Campbell, Genealogist

2:45 – 3:30

HBCU Recognition and Line Dancing

3:30 – 3:40

Dynamic Diamonds Dance Team

3:40 – 3:50

“Why We Celebrate” — Earl Ijames, NC History Museum

3:50 – 4:00

The Ned Hunter Family

4:00 – 4:45

Ms. Constance Prince

4:45 – 4:55

Greater Raleigh Pan-Hellenic Council

4:55 – 5:10

Beverly Burnette, NC Association of Black Storytellers

5:10 – 5:25

Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club

5:25 – 5:35

The Capital City Juneteenth Committee and E. B. Palmer Presentation

5:35 – 6:00

The Life of Patsy Young / Piety Cotton

6:00 – 6:30

Kimberly Michelle, Violinist

6:30

Closing Remarks

26 Newly Discovered Heroes Memorial Display
Their courage freed us. Their legacy inspires us.
Juneteenth  •  Freedom  •  Honor  •  Heritage
Juneteenth Memorial Tribute

Honoring Earl Ijames

With sincere appreciation from the Juneteenth Committee of Raleigh, North Carolina
Earl Ijames at the National Cemetery commemorating newly recognized United States Colored Troops soldiers
Earl Ijames
Recognized State Historian
North Carolina Museum of History

The Capital City Juneteenth Celebration Committee proudly expresses heartfelt appreciation to Earl Ijames for his dedication and tireless efforts in helping uncover 26 previously unrecognized United States Colored Troops soldiers buried at the National Cemetery.

These men served during one of the most significant periods in American history. They stood for freedom, justice, and the sacred truth that enslaved people deserved to know that they were no longer bound by slavery.

Although the Emancipation Proclamation was issued on January 1, 1863, freedom was not fully realized in Texas until June 19, 1865, when Union forces arrived in Galveston and enforced the liberation of enslaved people. This historic day is now celebrated as Juneteenth.

More than 180,000 Black men served in the Union Army during the Civil War. Many members of the United States Colored Troops fought courageously, risking everything for a nation that had not yet fully recognized their citizenship or equality.

Through Earl Ijames' commitment to historical research and preservation, these soldiers' stories are no longer hidden. Their lives and sacrifices continue to educate and inspire future generations.

26 Newly recognized soldiers remembered with honor
1865 Juneteenth freedom announced in Galveston, Texas
180,000+ Black men served in the Union Army during the Civil War
"We remember their service. We honor their sacrifice. We celebrate their freedom."
Their names, their courage, and their purpose will never be forgotten.
Special Guest

Teresa McKoy

Touched by His Anointing Praise Dance Ministry
Touched by His Anointing Praise Dance Ministry started over 25 years ago. Teresa McKoy has traveled all over North Carolina ministering through dance. She has taught Praise Dance at Raleigh Prison for Women, The Encouraging Place, Within These Walls Ministry, and Books of Acts Ministries.
She is a living testimony that God can and will use whom He chooses to encourage His people.

Click below for directions to the cemetary

Capital City Juneteenth Event Area Map
Map centered near 2105 Umstead Dr., Raleigh, NC 27603. Use the map and directions button below for guidance.
Get Directions

Flags will be placed at the grave stie through the weekend of junethent June 19th - june 22th

Featured Juneteenth Speaker
A Voice Rooted in Faith, Freedom, and Community
Rev. Dr. Steven L. Lyons brings a unique and authentic perspective to Juneteenth through his lifelong connection to African American communities across North Carolina, his education at historic Black institutions such as St. Augustine's University and Shaw University Divinity School, and his leadership within the African Methodist Episcopal Church—a denomination born from the pursuit of freedom, dignity, and justice.

His life, ministry, and scholarship reflect the very values Juneteenth commemorates: liberation, perseverance, education, faith, and the continued advancement of the African American community.
"Celebrating freedom by honoring the history, faith, resilience, and achievements of African Americans."


Committee Recognition
Capital City Juneteenth Celebration Committee
2025 / 2026
Anita M. Pearson Chair
Earl Ijames Vice Chair
Kay Harris Secretary
Joyce Jarett Treasurer
Tammy Hunter Jones Dix Park / Hunter Family Representative
Andre Nabors
Beverly Simpson-Smith
Rev. Dr. Jesse Hood
Donna Page
Troy McNish
Jonathan Olu-Taylor
Rev. Dr. Larry McDonald Ex Officio
Juneteenth Raleigh Event Location
📍 402 West Edenton Street
Raleigh, North Carolina
Click the map directions button below for turn-by-turn guidance.
Get Directions
2026
Capital City
Juneteenth Celebration
Raleigh, North Carolina
June 20, 2026
Preserving Our Heritage
and Moving It Forward