Superior Court Judge Milton F. “Toby” Fitch, Jr. to Serve as Keynote Speaker
Released by Tameka Kenan-Norman, City of Rocky Mount
The R&B group, Jagged Edge, will headline the city’s Juneteenth Community Empowerment Festival. Known for chart-topping hits like “Let’s Get Married,” “Promise,” “He Can’t Love U” and more, Jagged Edge began their career in 1995.
“It’s always exciting to have successful groups like Jagged Edge provide entertainment for the citizens of Rocky Mount,” says Special Events Coordinator Susan Ball. “The city staff, Juneteenth Planning Committee and the Community Empowerment Association all work diligently to ensure that Juneteenth is a popular event which caters to everyone.”
Juneteenth is a two-day event, featuring live jazz on June 3, 2016, from 7pm to 10pm. The Stephen Pender Band and the Generation NeXt Band will be the featured acts. Then on June 4, 2016, Juneteenth continues from 11am to 8pm. Entertainment acts will include the 7th Hour Groove Band, Salvation and Deliverance Choir, the Kenya Safari Acrobats, and much more.
Jagged Edge will be the headlining act on June 4, 2016.
The emcees will be Les Long and Lamar Blakney.
Although entertainment is a major part of the Juneteenth celebration, it’s not the only facet. Superior Court Judge Milton F. “Toby” Fitch, Jr. will serve as this year’s keynote speaker. Fitch was the first African American in the state to preside over the House, the first majority whip, and the first African American to be elected House majority leader.
Fitch was elected Superior Court judge in 2001. He is a native of Wilson NC and a graduate of North Carolina Central University where he received his Bachelor of Science degree and his Juris Doctorate.
“Juneteenth is about more than just entertainment, and we want attendees to recognize that,” says Greg Royal, chair of the Juneteenth Planning Committee. “Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration recognizing the end of slavery, and the commemoration of that event has taken place since the 19th century. So, during Juneteenth, we also provide information about why this celebration is so significant.”
Vendor applications are being accepted now through May 6, 2016.
Admission is free, so join the fun with music, cultural activities, vendors, a bike rodeo, and more on the Douglas Block in downtown Rocky Mount NC.
For more information about Juneteenth, call 252.972.1151.
For the schedule of events and vendor applications, visit www.downtownrockymount.com.
