7th Annual Juneteenth Freedom Family Celebration to Highlight Youth Art, Culture and History
The community is invited to the 7th Annual Juneteenth Freedom Family Celebration on Friday, June 19, 2026, from 1 to 5 p.m. at Arts Davidson County, 202 N. Main Street in Lexington.
This year’s celebration is co-hosted by Save Our Babies, Arts Davidson County, Anything For Our Youth Group and Black Butterfly Network. The event will bring together families, youth, artists and community leaders for an afternoon focused on youth expression, cultural awareness, education and unity.
The 2026 theme is “Youth Artist Studio.” Organizers said the event will transform the venue into a hands-on creative experience where young people can explore visual arts, performance, storytelling and history in a supportive environment.
“This year our focus is to bring our communities together for this historical celebration by uniting Lexington, Thomasville, Davidson County, and surrounding areas on Juneteenth,” stated Kenedy Singletary of Save Our Babies in Thomasville. “We are excited to collaborate and bring our youth together across our county and surrounding communities by exposing them to art and the history of Juneteenth.”
Participants will learn about the history and significance of Juneteenth through educational presentations, interactive art experiences and youth-led performances.
“This year’s event focuses on our youth by providing more history, education, and art opportunities to help young people learn more about Juneteenth and why we celebrate this important occasion,” stated Tina Royal, Director of Anything For Our Youth Group.
The free community event will include opening music by Ken Davis and Kenneth Keesee, a Juneteenth history presentation by historian Tyrone Terry, youth poetry and dance performances, an interactive youth art session assisted by local artists, an Artist Gallery Walk and community vendors featuring arts, crafts, jewelry and more.
Event sponsors include Lexington Utilities, Food Lion Feeds Charitable Foundation and Arts Davidson County.
Youth artwork created during the Juneteenth event will also be displayed during the 2nd Annual Thomasville Trail Ride on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at 5 p.m. at Pace Park, 1 E. Main Street in Thomasville.
Youth of all ages are welcome to participate. Artist spots are still available. Young people may register in advance or walk in on the day of the event.
For registration and more information, visit www.anythingforouryouthgroup.org.
The celebration will also receive official proclamations from the City of Lexington Government and North Carolina Governor Josh Stein recognizing the significance of Juneteenth and the community’s continued commitment to unity, education, youth empowerment and cultural awareness throughout Davidson County and surrounding communities.
