Councilwoman Cydny A. Neville announced on Tuesday that she, along with a volunteer committee, will be hosting the inaugural Juneteenth Parade in the Town of Dumfries at 7 p.m. on June 19, 2021.

Juneteenth is a historically Black holiday celebrating the emancipation of enslaved Black people in the United States. The celebration dates back to June 19, 1865 when Union troops arrived in Texas and announced emancipation nearly two months after the end of the Civil War. Since then, the holiday has been celebrated every year on June 19th. 

Though the holiday is not recognized by the federal government, the Town of Dumfries officially recognizes it as a town holiday.

The parade route will begin at the Dumfries United Methodist Church and conclude at the Dumfries Slave Cemetery with music, and reflection, and a candlelight vigil in honor of the ancestors.

Youth organizations, The Divine Nine, elected officials, candidates, businesses, nonprofits, and more are encouraged to register to walk in the parade!

“There are several commemorative Juneteenth events taking place in our community this year, and I am excited to be working with an amazing group of volunteers to close out the day full of purposeful events, with the Inaugural Juneteenth Parade!” said Councilwoman Cydny A. Neville.

Participants are asked to park at Dumfries Elementary school and line up at the United Methodist Church no later than 6:30pm.  Groups will walk with their respected category listed on the form. 

Participants are encouraged to bring any form of an electronic candle (flashlight, battery powered candle, cellphone/digital candle, etc.), for the candlelight vigil at the end of our parade at the Dumfries Slave Cemetery.

Registration for the parade is completely free. Groups interested in walking in the parade are encouraged to register here no later than June 9^th.

Stay connected with updates for the Inaugural Juneteenth Parade via our Facebook page here, as well as the Facebook event page.