Juneteenth of New Bern

06/04/2026

Before Donell Bryant, there was another revolutionary barber in New Bern, and his name was John Carruther Stanly! Born in 1774, he utilized one of few business opportunities available to freed slaves, which was becoming a barber!

Owning the only barbering facilities in town allowed him to use his revenue to purchase freedom for family members and others close to him, including his wife and kids.

By the 1850s, Stanly had amassed property worth approximately $21,200 which "would have placed him in the top one half of one percent among white men" in the South and the nation. Making him the wealthiest free black resident in the state of North Carolina at the time!

06/03/2026

Did'ya know? New Bern was well known for horse racing, with a horse race track being located on Cypress St. where Greenwood Cemetery is currently located.

06/02/2026

An ambitious teen with a bright future, Morgan Taylor is heading off to college with goals of becoming an attorney. We are thrilled to have her join us again as both keynote speaker and judge for our Miss Juneteenth ENC Pageant! 

06/02/2026

🎉 Join Us for the Juneteenth Heritage Celebration! ❤️💛💚

Come celebrate freedom, culture, creativity, and community at this year’s Juneteenth Heritage Celebration on Sunday, June 21st from 4–9 PM at Onslow Pines Park, 1250 Onslow Pines Rd!

Enjoy an evening full of exciting activities and entertainment, including:
✨ An Art Auction featuring artwork by Revel Artist
🧀 Mac & Cheese Cookoff
💃 Line Dancing
🎶 Live performances by Kimberly Michelle, Carl Newton’s Review, and the 40+ Double Dutch Club

Catch an amazing musical performance by Kimberly Michelle! Her blend of violin and vocals will be sure to move you.

Bring your family, friends, and lawn chairs as we gather to honor history, celebrate unity, and enjoy an unforgettable evening together!

📍 Onslow Pines Park
🗓 Sunday, June 21
⏰ 4 PM – 9 PM

We can’t wait to celebrate with you!

06/02/2026

With a servant’s heart, Carol Becton is a well known community organizer and leader. We are blessed to have her join us again this year as a judge for our Miss Juneteenth ENC Pageant.

06/02/2026

Juneteenth of New Bern is marking the holiday with two weeks of events, starting this weekend with an art exhibit and a “paint and sip” at St. Cyprian’s Church.

https://bit.ly/4vu50iK

06/02/2026

06/02/2026

Did'ya know? Booker T. Washington visited New Bern in 1910. And he delivered a speech to over 800 people at The Masonic Lodge located on Hancock and Johnson St.

06/01/2026

Did'ya know? The Founding of James City: Union Army officials provided land for former slaves, leading to the creation of the Trent River Settlement. By 1865, it was renamed James City, in honor of its founder, Horace James, superintendent of Negro Affairs and agent for the Bureau of Freedmen, Refugees, and Abandoned Lands. Successfully blossoming into an independent community of nearly 3,000 residents with its own farms, businesses, and churches.

Side note: James City residents also paid taxes to the City of New Bern during this time.