For the past six years, the Gastonia EbonyFest Juneteenth Festival has been a vibrant and unifying celebration of freedom, culture, and community. This festival uplifts local voices, honors the legacy of Juneteenth, and supports Black-owned businesses, artists, and families across Gaston County.

But now, the City of Gastonia government is threatening the future of this community event.

For the first time, the City is attempting to charge organizers $5,710 in estimated fees for street closures, staffing, and public safety support — services that have previously been provided in-kind. These changes risk making the parade and festival financially unsustainable, despite its historical and cultural significance.

And it’s not just us. The City of Gastonia has also removed its support for our local Toys for Tots Motorcycle Ride, hosted by lifelong resident, Mr Gerald Tate—which has been in existence for almost 40 years!

We are calling on the City of Gastonia to:

1. Restore in-kind services for the Juneteenth Parade and Festival.

2. Honor Juneteenth as a paid city holiday.

3. Demonstrate meaningful investment in equity, culture, and community-led events.

Juneteenth is a federal holiday. It commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. Yet, our local government is placing unnecessary financial burdens on a festival that exists to educate, empower, and unite.

This is not just about money. It’s about values.

Stand with us. Sign this petition to demand that the City of Gastonia:

• Uphold its commitment to cultural equity

• Support Black-led community events

• Restore in-kind services for EbonyFest

Together, we can ensure that the Gastonia EbonyFest Juneteenth Festival continues to thrive — for this generation and the next.