Historic Greenfield’s Juneteenth Freedom Jubilee 2026 celebration will feature a special afternoon of education, reflection, and community engagement, led by longtime community advocate and Botetourt County resident Cheryl Sullivan-Willis.
Sullivan-Willis will serve as emcee for Saturday afternoon’s (June 20th) activities, which begin with three presentations highlighting Historic Greenfield Plantation’s past, present, and future. The afternoon will conclude with local musical entertainment and a community barbecue meal. Admission is free and open to the public.
A respected business owner and civic leader, Sullivan-Willis is guided by a personal mission to “empower people, create opportunities, and inspire action that transforms lives and strengthens communities for generations.”
As the owner of an award-winning local salon, she has combined entrepreneurial success with a strong commitment to public service, serving on numerous boards focused on economic development, leadership advancement, and community impact.
For the past nine years, Sullivan-Willis has served on Botetourt County’s Historic Greenfield Advisory Council and has played an active role on the Juneteenth Freedom Jubilee planning committee.
Her connection to Historic Greenfield is also deeply personal.
“I’m not only a lover of history and genealogy, but my family history is personally connected to Historic Greenfield Plantation,” Sullivan-Willis said. “My great-grandparents are buried there, along with other family members believed to be direct descendants of the enslaved people who worked there.”
She hopes this year’s celebration will inspire attendees to reflect on the sacrifices made by previous generations and the importance of preserving their stories.
“I hope that this year’s Juneteenth Freedom Jubilee celebration inspires us all not to take life for granted and to recognize the sacrifices so many others made so that we may all live equally and free,” she said.
The Juneteenth Freedom Jubilee is a celebration honoring freedom, heritage, education, and community while highlighting the rich history of Historic Greenfield and its significance to Botetourt County.
For event details, schedules, registration information, and participation options, visit www.HistoricGreenfield.org
