DeVaughn, Jones to headline state’s Juneteenth celebration Saturday

Grammy nominated R&B artists Raheem DeVaughn and Glenn Jones will headline West Virginia’s annual Juneteenth celebration this weekend.

The event – hosted by the state Herbert Henderson Office of Minority Affairs and FestivALL Charleston – is scheduled for 4 to 9 p.m. Saturday at the State Capitol Complex. It’s free and open to the public.

“We are thrilled to have both Raheem DeVaughn and Glenn Jones taking center stage at this special celebration of community,” Jill Upson, director of the state’s Herbert Henderson Office of Minority Affairs, said in a news release. “This year’s Juneteenth has something for everyone, and we are proud to showcase all of the West Virginia and national talent everyone will see Saturday evening.”

Juneteenth is a national holiday that celebrates the ending of slavery in the United States. Gov. Jim Justice on Monday issued a declaration calling Juneteenth 2024 an official state holiday.

Writer and comedian E.L. Smith will emcee the event. The celebration will also include several food trucks and vendors.

Other acts included in the lineup are:

• All Nations Revival Center Church “Kingdom Seeds” Praise Dance Ministry
• Alondra
• Aristotle Jones and His Amazing Appalachian Soul Band
• Da Front Porch
• DJ Big L
• Donnie Hawkins
• Logical
• Morris Macklin, Jr
• The Heavy Hitters, and
• W3 Dance Team