The Town of Knightdale hosted its first African American Festival in honor of Juneteenth on Saturday, June 17, from 4 pm until 9 pm to a record-setting crowd. The event was co-sponsored by ChoiceFM and the Knightdale-Wake Forest Education Foundation.
Mayor Jessica Day, Mayor Pro Tem Ben McDonald, Councilor Mark Swan, Councilor Latatious Morris, Councilor Steve Evan, along with Representative James Roberson, and Wake County Commissioner Chair Shinica Thomas were among the esteemed guests present at the festival.
An estimated 6,000 people attended the festival at Knightdale Station Park throughout the day. From uplifting performances to thought-provoking spoken word acts, the stage was alive with the resonant melodies and powerful messages of artists dedicated to celebrating freedom and equality. Musical guests included national recording artist Tony Terry, the Jus Once Gogo Band, and Tevis Harris & faVor. Spoken Word artist Bettina Pope and line dancing instructor Robbin Sutton also graced the event. Festival attendees were treated to local vendors, food trucks, and activities for kids.
“We are working to create spaces for the community to come together and celebrate one another’s culture,” said Rachel Morris, Director of Community Relations. “During events such as this, we reflect on our shared journey toward justice and fostering unity. The festival proves that if we continue to strive for a future where equality is the foundation of our society, we all can have liberation.”
The African American Festival was created as a part of Knightdale’s Strategic Plan to offer diverse quality community events in the town. This objective is a direct reflection of the “Connected & Inclusive” focus area of the Plan and directly reflects the Town’s commitment to providing inclusive programming and community events for its residents.
“We couldn’t be happier to have successfully organized our first African American Festival,” said Jessica Day, Mayor of Knightdale. “It was about more than music. The attendance and response from the community continue to reflect that we, as a council, are listening. Knightdale is one of the most diverse communities in Wake County. We will continue to celebrate and embrace the collective strength of our community.”
For more information about Knightdale’s annual African American Festival, please contact Chris Wiley, Knightdale Parks, Recreation and Cultural Programs Director, at chris.wiley@knightdalenc.gov.