Eunice Haigler shows no signs of slowing down.
Now 74, the community activist held a “wazee-themed” Juneteenth celebration in partnership with the Fredericksburg Area Museum (FAM) this past Thursday in Fredericksburg’s Market Square.
Haigler said she felt it was important to honor the elders in the community, known as “wazee.” She has organized her annual Juneteenth event since 2015, long before Juneteenth became a federal holiday in 2021.
Juneteenth marks June 19, 1865, the day Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced that all enslaved people were finally free — more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation had been signed. The day not only marks the end of slavery in the United States but also symbolizes the strength and resilience of Black communities in the face of injustice and delayed freedom.
Today, it is celebrated nationwide, honoring African American history, culture and the ongoing fight for true equality.
Mayor Kerry Devine delivered the welcoming speech, followed by a prayer from Pastor Hashmel Turner. Malik Johnson, Haigler’s nephew, served as emcee. Other guest speakers included U.S. Rep. Eugene Vindman (D-Fredericksburg) and Del. Joshua Cole of the 65th District, who gave a keynote speech on the role, responsibility and value of elders.
Several community members were honored for their past and ongoing service. Pastor Gary Holland, whom Haigler referred to as an “icon,” received an award for his long-standing dedication to the community.
Emani Nelson, Haigler’s great-granddaughter, was also recognized. A fourth grader reading at a 12th-grade level, Nelson has been a major inspiration in Haigler’s life.
Numerous elected officials acknowledged Haigler’s impact on the community. She received a series of community service resolution awards from Rep. Vindman, former Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine, and U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett.
Attendees were treated to theatrical performances by Two 5M Productions, a sector of Rosie Rogers Enterprises. Eleven-year-old Tracey Claiborne covered “A Change Is Gonna Come” by Sam Cooke. American singer and guitarist Gaye Adegbalola also performed several of her original recordings.
Fredericksburg City Public Schools Superintendent Marceline Catlett praised this year’s performances. She quoted Maya Angelou, saying, “We are the hopes and dreams of our ancestors. This celebration is priceless, and I commend Eunice and the community for keeping our legacy going.”
Haigler said she was especially moved by the jump rope performance by the Rebel Roses Social Club.
“They brought life to Juneteenth. Many of the Rebel Roses are 40 and up — it was very inspirational,” she said.
“I think the event helps people understand what Juneteenth is all about, not just the commercial aspect,” Haigler added. “It changes how people view the struggle. More and more people are understanding what African Americans went through. I’m trying to live the Juneteenth experience every day.”
Louis Durgado honored Haigler with a song titled “Color of History,” which debuted at the event and deeply inspired her. Haigler said she, Durgado, Jarvis Bailey and others are in partnership to further the celebration and education surrounding Juneteenth.
Legendary singer Marvin Gaye’s brother, Antwaun Gaye, also attended the celebration. He supported Haigler and signed copies of his new book.
“I just want to share my story — it will help many people, especially African Americans,” Gaye said. “Eunice has been doing this for a long time, and I was definitely going to support her. She’s like my big sister. Her love for others is a blessing — she’s always trying to help others, no matter who they are.”
Gaye also praised the event’s diversity.
“The demographic mix shows me the growing acknowledgement of this special day. It means a lot, especially in this polarizing time we’re living in. African American history is often hidden—or sometimes even washed away.”
Marvin Gaye’s first album, “What’s Going On,” touched on war and peace, police brutality, civil rights, environmental concerns, unity, and love. His brother Antwaun hopes to carry on that message, bringing peace and shedding light on the silent struggles people face.
Haigler saw Rosie Rogers of Two 5M Productions perform in Culpeper last year and was so impressed she booked the group for this year’s Juneteenth celebration. Rogers and her crew performed a stage script reading titled Juneteenth: Freedom Deferred but Not Denied.
The performance highlighted the history of Juneteenth and President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation, which paved the way for the end of slavery. Rogers said the audience was fully engaged.
“History was shared and received—hopefully they were educated and enlightened,” she added.
Haigler has established a strong coalition with FAM and Gaila Sims, who is the curator of African American history and vice president of programs and interpretation at the museum. Sims described her relationship with Haigler as “very close,” and the two worked together to bring the Juneteenth jubilee to downtown for a second year.
Sims said she is especially inspired by 92-year-old Ms. Cleo Coleman, who has portrayed Harriet Tubman at Haigler’s Juneteenth celebration since 2015.
Growing up in Texas, Sims often participated in Juneteenth celebrations.
“People should really think about those who were enslaved,” she said. “Those were people’s ancestors.”
