News Summary
Despite South Carolina’s non-recognition of Juneteenth, Myrtle Beach and the Grand Strand region are embracing celebrations to honor this historic event. Festivities will include a festival at Georgetown County Library, an annual celebration at Charlie’s Place, and cultural events at Brookgreen Gardens and Pawleys Island. The Myrtle Beach Neighborhood Services Department is leading these efforts, reflecting the community’s dedication to celebrating African American heritage and the significance of emancipation.
Myrtle Beach and Grand Strand Prepare for Juneteenth Celebrations Despite South Carolina’s Non-Recognition of the Holiday
Despite South Carolina’s lack of official recognition for Juneteenth, the coastal area of Myrtle Beach and the surrounding Grand Strand region are gearing up for a series of celebrations to honor the historical significance of Juneteenth, which is observed on June 19. Recently recognized as a national holiday in 2021, Juneteenth marks the emancipation of enslaved African Americans, with roots tracing back to June 19, 1865, when Union Major General Gordon Granger announced the freedom of slaves in Texas—two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation took effect.
The festivities in this region will kick off with the first-ever Juneteenth Festival at the Georgetown County Library from June 14 through June 17, featuring various activities such as line dancing, a writer’s circle, and local crafts and cuisine. Highlighting the spirit of empowerment and community, the Black Business Expo will showcase numerous Black-owned businesses through workshops and live performances, enriching cultural awareness throughout the weekend.
On June 14, from 2-8 p.m., Myrtle Beach will host its annual Juneteenth celebration at Charlie’s Place. The event is set to include food and craft vendors along with a dedicated kids’ fun zone, ensuring a family-friendly atmosphere. In case of inclement weather, festivities will shift indoors to the Mary C. Canty Recreation Center.
The Juneteenth program at Brookgreen Gardens on June 18 will further enhance the weekend’s activities with storytelling sessions led by renowned Gullah storyteller Frank Murray. This event is free for members and included with garden admission for non-members, but prior registration is required to attend.
The celebration will also intertwine with the ongoing Pawleys Island Festival of Music and Art, held on June 18, which will emphasize African American heritage through music, culture, and history. This event, emceed by historian Lee Brockington, will feature blues performances and engaging discussions.
In Atlantic Beach, a separate Juneteenth festival is planned for June 21, in partnership with the United Communities Assistance Network. This event will showcase Gullah Geechee culture through contests, live entertainment, and a motorcycle freedom ride, promoting community engagement and education about local history.
Myrtle Beach’s efforts to celebrate Juneteenth also include a Freedom Day parade, previously held on a Wednesday and showcasing local organizations. The parade emphasized the significance of community contributions, notably highlighting Patricia Burgess, an alumna of the historic Myrtle Beach Colored School. Following the parade, attendees enjoyed a vibrant celebration at Charlie’s Place with food, live music, an Afrocentric fashion show, and dancing.
The Myrtle Beach Neighborhood Services Department plays a pivotal role in coordinating these Juneteenth events, demonstrating the city’s commitment to honoring African American heritage and the historical significance of emancipation. Although South Carolina does not recognize Juneteenth as an official holiday, the dedication of local communities and organizations reflects a shared understanding of its importance.
As Juneteenth approaches, residents and visitors alike are encouraged to engage with these celebrations and reflect on the journey toward freedom that this day represents. Through these events, the Myrtle Beach and Grand Strand regions aim to educate, celebrate, and foster unity among all members of the community, ensuring that the legacy of Juneteenth remains alive.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Myrtle Beach Prepares for Juneteenth Parade
Don’t Miss the Myrtle Beach Juneteenth Celebration at Charlie’s Place
Additional Resources
- WMBF News: Myrtle Beach’s Juneteenth Celebration
- Wikipedia: Juneteenth
- WPDE: Myrtle Beach Celebrates Juneteenth
- Google Search: Juneteenth celebrations 2023
- WMBF News: Myrtle Beach Hosts Juneteenth Celebration
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Juneteenth
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
