Early Freedom Celebrations
Long before Juneteenth became a nationally recognized holiday, African American communities in Spartanburg organized large summertime “Emancipation” celebrations—most notably at the Fairgrounds in 1911–1913. These events sat alongside January 1 Emancipation Day observances, showing a strong, year-round tradition of freedom celebrations and civic organization led by Black Spartanburg residents.
What we found
1911–1912: Summer Emancipation at the Fairgrounds.
Local newspaper notices and coverage point to major warm-weather celebrations, including parades and festivities at the Spartanburg Fairgrounds. This adds to the familiar January 1 Emancipation Day programming and demonstrates an emerging summer custom decades before “Juneteenth” language was common locally. (See Spartanburg Herald references to Emancipation celebrations, May 28, 1912 and Aug 21, 1912.)
1912–1913: The Southern Enterprise Association’s leadership.
The Southern Enterprise Association (Spartanburg)—describing itself as working for the “industrial, educational, and financial advancement of the colored people”—appears repeatedly as an organizer and advocate for these summer “Emancipation” observances. Surviving correspondence shows Association officers coordinating dates, venues, and even petitioning state leaders regarding recognition of the day. (Context supported by 1912 press items above.)
1913: Letters to Governor Cole Blease.
A series of August 1913 letters—on Association letterhead and in the Governor’s files—discuss “Summer Emancipation” celebrations and whether the state could proclaim a holiday or otherwise support community plans. While the governor ultimately replied that proclamation authority was limited, the exchange highlights local organizing power and the pursuit of official recognition more than a century ago. (Primary materials on file courtesy of Spartanburg County Public Libraries Local History holdings; images reproduced on this page.)
Key Details at a Glance
Years documented: 1911, 1912, 1913
Lead organizer: Southern Enterprise Association (Spartanburg)
Typical venue: Spartanburg Fairgrounds
Activities: Parades, public programs, fair-style festivities
Public advocacy: Direct correspondence with the Governor (Aug. 1913) seeking formal recognition
Why It Matters
These sources show that Spartanburg’s Black community not only marked emancipation on New Year’s but also built a summertime tradition of freedom celebrations—parades, gatherings, and fairground programs—well before the modern Juneteenth movement. Today’s Spartanburg Juneteenth Festival stands in that lineage: a community-led, educational, and joyful affirmation of freedom.
Explore The Sources
1912 News Article
Newspaper listing/notice confirming May 28, 1912 coverage of Emancipation activities, helpful for dating the early summer tradition.