2016 Experience

On June 18, 2016, we launched Spartanburg’s first official Juneteenth at Stewart Park. The festival drew 300–400 attendees, served free food, and delivered hands-on history and culture. That energy set the pace for future growth and community impact.

Why 2016 Matters

• We established a citywide tradition of celebrating emancipation and African-American achievement.
  
  
• We centered education—linking freedom stories to reflection and action.
  
  
• We built momentum to expand the festival and set a 2017 goal of 1,000+ attendees.
  
  

Event Highlights

• Opening Remembrance
  We observed a moment of silence for the nine lives lost at Emanuel AME Church (June 17, 2015).
  
  
• Children’s Literacy & History
  We hosted a reading of Henry’s Freedom Box inside the Thornton Activity Center and displayed a replica wooden crate like the one Henry “Box” Brown used to mail himself to freedom.
  
  
  • We gave away 80 copies of the book to children.
    
    
• Local Talent (10:30–11:30 a.m.)
  Local artists performed spoken word, poetry, and socially conscious hip-hop.
  
  
• Family Fun
  The City of Spartanburg brought a mobile play station, and attendees played bingo and chess throughout the day.
  
  
• Live Music
  Back in the Day closed the festival with a noon–2 p.m. set of retro R&B/soul.
  
  
• Free Community Meal
  We served hot dogs, chips, drinks, and ribs at no cost while supplies lasted.
  
  

Community Partners (2016)

With support from Mount Moriah Baptist Church, Cornerstone Baptist Church, Majority Baptist Church, Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, Spartanburg School District 7, Spartanburg County Foundation, and Hub City Writers Project (book purchases), we delivered a welcoming, free festival for all.

Voices from 2016

“Juneteenth is a celebration… of emancipation and the achievements of their descendants.”
— Monier Abusaft, Executive Director, Spartanburg Juneteenth, Inc.

“Our aim is to host an event where all people enjoy African-American culture and achievement… and grow this into a signature Spartanburg event.”
— Monier Abusaft

Attendance & Impact

• Attendance: 300–400
  
  
• Cost: Free (food included)
  
  
• Next-year goal: 1,000+ attendees
  
  
• Legacy: We set the blueprint: educate, remember, and celebrate—together.
  
  

Media Coverage (2016)

GoUpstate / Spartanburg Herald-Journal featured the festival in Dan Armonaitis’s story on the Henry’s Freedom Box activity, the Emanuel AME remembrance, and our vision for a signature community event.
Coverage summary adapted from GoUpstate/SHJ.

Photo & Artifact Suggestions

• Families at Stewart Park during performances
  
  
• Children with Henry’s Freedom Box and the replica crate (caption: “Replica of Henry ‘Box’ Brown’s crate at Stewart Park, 2016”)
  
  
• Volunteer teams serving free meals
  
  
• City mobile play station; chess and bingo games
  
  

Looking Back, Moving Forward

We ignited a tradition in 2016. Each year, we expand access, deepen learning, and elevate the celebration of freedom for the next generation.

Sidebar: At a Glance — 2016

• Location: Stewart Park
  
  
• Time: 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
  
  
• Headliner: Back in the Day (R&B/Soul)
  
  
• Giveaway: 80 copies of Henry’s Freedom Box
  
  
• Special Features: Replica “Freedom Box” crate, City play station, chess & bingo
  
  

Attendance: 300–400