Juneteenth Celebration Showcases Leela James
Mitchelville Freedom Park to Host Dynamic Juneteenth Celebration Featuring Leela James
Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park is set to engage the community with a week-long series of Juneteenth festivities from June 12 to June 19, 2025, culminating in a vibrant celebration featuring renowned R&B artist Leela James. The event, taking place on the grounds of the first self-governed town established by formerly enslaved individuals in the United States, aims to commemorate and reflect on themes of freedom, history, and unity.
The program, running from mid-June, will offer a variety of entertaining and educational activities suitable for all ages. Among the highlights is the main event on Saturday, June 14, where attendees can immerse themselves in a multitude of festivities from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. With an admission fee of , participants can enjoy live gospel music performances, led by Marti Baker, special guest Marlena Smalls at the historic Praise House, and a plethora of family-oriented activities, including a Kids’ Corner, karaoke sessions, and an old-school dance contest, which promises to be a fun and nostalgic experience for attendees.
Ahmad Ward, the Executive Director of Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park, emphasized the importance of such community gatherings, stating, “Events like this bring our community—both near and far—together in powerful ways.” He also highlighted the significance of reflecting on the progress achieved while celebrating Juneteenth, recognizing it as an essential part of American history.
Leela James, acclaimed for her powerful vocals and chart-topping hits such as “Fall For You” and “Complicated,” is expected to captivate attendees with a heartfelt performance to close the festival. Joyce Wright, Program Director, expressed enthusiasm for her participation, noting that James’s soulful artistry will serve as the highlight of the celebration.
The event will also include diverse programming throughout the week, such as the “Naych and B’uhds: A Celebration of Nature and Birds” scheduled for Thursday, June 12, and “Children’s Day: Dig Into History” on Friday, June 13, designed to engage younger audiences in meaningful ways. An immersive “Sleep Under the Stars” experience will provide participants with a unique opportunity to connect with the rich history of Mitchelville.
The celebration will conclude with a Juneteenth 5k run hosted by Palmetto Running Company on Wednesday, June 19, promoting health and community spirit.
Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park is located at 40 Harriet Tubman Way, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926. For detailed information on tickets and programming, visit exploremitchelville.org. This Juneteenth celebration is poised to be a poignant reminder of the journey toward freedom and a testament to the ongoing commitment to community cohesion.
