VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - A celebration of freedom and culture kicked off Saturday in the heart of the Virginia Beach resort area.
Now in its second year, Juneteenth at the Beach is organized by TEAM LAMB, a group dedicated to mentorship and uplifting communities.
The event started Saturday morning and runs through the Juneteenth national holiday on Monday, which commemorates the end of African American slavery in the United States.
“Juneteenth of course is the day where we were all recognized as everyone being free people. We feel like it’s best to celebrate here because Virginia has a lot of history," said Micah Wells, a founding member of TEAM LAMB.
Positively Hampton Roads
Celebrations, events in Hampton Roads & Northeast N.C. for Juneteenth 2023
Juneteenth at the Beach is three full days of music, art, food and culture with vendors set up along the boardwalk.
”You can expect to come out and have unity amongst the community. Have fun," Wells told News 3 at the start of day two.
Landing on Father's Day, Sunday's activities included a block party honoring fathers. This year's theme for the entire celebration is "Turning the Tide," in a call of equality for all.
Organizers say they're hoping the location on the boardwalk will help bring people of all backgrounds, and catch some walking by who didn't even know the event was going on.
They intend to continue Juneteenth at the Beach for a third year, with a plan to expand the festival from the stage and boardwalk and onto the sand.
