A Record Crowd of 1300 Attends Juneteenth Event at Booker T. Washington National Monument

People in costumed interpretation rest by a podium.

NPS Photo

More than 1,300 people visited Booker T. Washington National Monument on Saturday, June 15, 2019 for the park’s annual celebration of freedom! Families began the day listening to the sounds of gospel music and smelling foods prepared by several vendors including white fish, hotdogs, hamburgers and barbeque. One of the highlights of the day was the introduction and welcome of new Superintendent Robin Snyder. A membership message by the Booker T. Washington NM Friends group followed and keynote speaker, Dr. Adrian Mack, a former park volunteer, spoke on “Familial Connection and Education” in relationship to Booker T. Washington. Dr. Mack is related to one of the early park employees hired at Booker T. Washington National Monument.

Visitors took a trip back in time with the “Tears of Freedom” program experiencing the moment of emancipation as felt by both owners and the enslaved on the Burroughs plantation as they heard the news from a Union soldier that the war had ended. The program was introduced by Park Ranger Brittany Lane with the park’s Living History Guild portraying residents of the plantation.

In the children’s village, children made clay marbles as Booker’s brother John remembered making. Other activities included maraca making, mountain dulcimer playing, developing pictures for a freedom quilt, and embroidery. Young audiences also enjoyed pony rides and a petting zoo.Reflections of freedom continued throughout the day. Another highlight of the celebration was the inspirational gospel music. Gospel performances included Vicky Wilson & The Devine Host, Rachel & Joy, Larnell Starkey & The Spiritual 7, The Highway QCs Featuring Spencer Taylor, and The ICONIC Fantastic Violinaires.

This event was part of the “American Revolution: Virginia to America 1619-2019” commemoration. The 2019 Commemoration, American Evolution was created by the Virginia General Assembly to plan, develop, and carry out programs and activities to commemorate the 400th anniversary of key historical events that occurred in Virginia during 1619, and that continue to influence our nation today.