Juneteenth of the Carolinas with Pape Ndiaye

Episode Summary Welcome to another episode of Friendship Talks, hosted by Bill Ryans of the Friendship Missionary Baptist Church Social Justice Ministry. In this episode, Bill sits down with Mr. Pape Ndiaye, owner and proprietor of the House of Africa here in Charlotte and the founder of the Juneteenth Festival of the Carolinas. Affectionately known to the community simply as Pop, he joins the podcast to discuss the history, deep significance, and community impact of Charlotte's annual Juneteenth celebration. The conversation also highlights the giant shoulders the movement stands on—specifically honoring Dr. Opal Lee, the "Grandmother of Juneteenth," whose historic walking campaigns and tireless advocacy successfully pushed for its official recognition as a federal holiday. What You’ll Learn in This Episode The Significance of Juneteenth: Exploring the historical weight of the holiday and its vital connection to modern social justice initiatives. The Power of Advocacy: Honoring Dr. Opal Lee's monumental push to elevate Juneteenth to a federally recognized national holiday. The Festival’s Roots: How the Juneteenth Festival of the Carolinas was founded in 1997 and its evolution into a massive community tradition. Cultural Preservation: The role of local hubs like the House of Africa in keeping history, art, and community advocacy alive. Featured Guest Mr. Pape Ndiaye ("Pop"): Founder of the Juneteenth Festival of the Carolinas and owner/proprietor of Charlotte's House of Africa. Episode Resources & Reference Links Official Festival Website: Learn more about upcoming events, vendor applications, and schedules at the Juneteenth Festival of the Carolinas. National Movement History: Learn more about Dr. Opal Lee’s journey and legacy at the National Juneteenth Museum.