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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: June 18, 2024
Contact: Kim Wells, Public Relations and Marketing Specialist, 804-217-1077, kim.wells@dcr.virginia.gov

Juneteenth July Jubilee to be held at Twin Lakes State Park  
Dr. Opal Lee scheduled to appear and speak at special event 

(Editors: Follow this link to download an image. Photo caption: Prince Edward Lake boat ramp at Twin Lakes State Park)

(Editors: Follow this link to download an image. Photo caption: Dr. Opal Lee)

(Editors: Follow this link to download an image. Photo caption: Gazebo and Lake Edward view at Twin Lakes State Park)

GREEN BAY, Va. - Twin Lakes State Park will host a 2-day event in honor of Juneteenth from July 5-6 at the Cedar Crest Conference Center. The event will include music, history, a walk around the lake and guest speakers. This event will be presented in partnership with the Friends of Twin Lakes State Park as well as the Connect, Communicate, and Collaborate Team. This team consists of Park Staff and community members with a vested interest in ancestral culture and black history and was formed around the efforts of Yemaja Jubilee, daughter of John Henry Brown, one of the Civilian Conservation Corps members who helped build Twin Lakes State Park in the 1940s. 

The primary guest speaker for the event will be Dr. Opal Lee, who is often described as the “grandmother of Juneteenth.” Dr. Lee is a retired teacher, counselor, and major activist in the movement which made Juneteenth a federally recognized holiday and recent recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom.  

“Save the date for our 2-day celebration in honor of Juneteenth,” said Twin Lakes State Park Manager Kevin Faubion. “July 6th is the main event as we invite the public to the park for African drumming and dancing, choir led songs, food, special guest speaker Dr. Opal Lee, and much more. We are excited to share the park’s history and to include such a powerful guest speaker that helped make this holiday recognized federally.” 

The park will host a “Meet & Greet / Dance Party” event on July 5th from 3 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the Cedar Crest Conference Center.

For more details about Twin Lakes State Park, visit the park's web page for more information. 

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