ACLU-WV responds to today's news that Gov. Patrick Morrisey would not be giving state workers the day off for Juneteenth, and that there would be no state sponsorship of any Juneteenth activities or events.
Juneteenth is the celebration of the freedom of Black people from chattel slavery in America. It should serve as a call to dismantle racial barriers and all systemic inequities in our society. For Governor Morrisey, it’s just another opportunity to show how little he understands or cares about racism. West Virginia’s Black community deserves better.
ACLU-WV also encourages everyone to attend and support Juneteenth events in the state next week. Below is a list of some of those events happening across the Mountain State.
Wheeling
Juneteenth Festival: 3 p.m. June 19 @ Heritage Port
Huntington
Juneteenth Festival: Noon June 21 @ Ritter Park
Charleston
Juneteenth Festival: Noon June 20 @ Slack Plaza
Juneteenth Farm to Table Event: 6-8 p.m. @ 800 Smith St.
Bluefield
Kickoff Event: FREE Film Screening of “Six Triple Eight” 7 p.m. June 19 @ the Granada Theater
Main Festivities (FREE Parking /FREE entry): 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. June 21 @ Raleigh Street / Dog Park Area
Charles Town
Jefferson County NAACP Juneteenth Celebration: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. June 21 @ Evitts Run Park
Martinsburg
Celebration of Black Culture: Noon June 19 @ Papa’s Chicken and Ribs, located at 4727 Shepherdstown Road