Join us in celebrating Juneteenth and forging the future — purchase your tickets today or support the cause with a donation using the link below.

Welcome,

I am Nicole Cole, a School Board member from the Battlefield District for Spotsylvania County Public Schools (SCPS). Thank you for supporting this annual Juneteenth program on behalf of and for efforts toward strengthening public education advocacy in Spotsylvania and across Virginia.

My purpose for running and now serving as an SCPS School Board member were mainly to (1) advocate for and provide resources and opportunities through public education that benefit the lives of students in Spotsylvania, and (2) ensure our public school students have access to the best quality education that our community can afford. Since I started my service on the Board in January 2022, these efforts have been thwarted by elected officials and now staff who seek to undermine the provision of public education throughout Virginia.

Realizing there’s an impact I can have on public education and this community outside of the confines of the Board, I felt an event to bring the community together in a positive way - in support of education and public education advocacy was necessary. Juneteenth was most appropriate as we celebrate FREEDOM on this day! Today I want to acknowledge the need to continually advocate for a number of FREEDOMS we all have Constitutionally and by law on this day, specifically:

The FREEDOM of SPEECH
The FREEDOM and right to a FREE Public School Education

And since our community needs to come together on a consistent and regular basis to maintain these freedoms, I plan to continue this event annually.

So again, thank you for your support now and moving forward. Please enjoy yourself on this Juneteenth, meet new people, support the black-owned vendors here, find joy, laugh, sing a little, and dance a lot!

Sincerely,

The Honorable Nicole T. Cole

Spotsylvania County Public Schools

School Board Member, Battlefield District

Event Program

Rev. Dr. Aaron Dobynes Sr.

Master of Ceremony

Rev. Dr. Aaron L. Dobynes Sr. is the Senior Pastor of Shiloh Baptist Church (Old Site) in Fredericksburg, Virginia, where he has served since 2014. A fourth-generation preacher from Alabama, he is a prominent community leader, educator, and Martin Luther King Jr. scholar who is deeply passionate about Black history, womanist theology, and advancing the vision of the “Beloved Community” through faith, education, and community empowerment. Through his leadership in ministry, higher education, and civic service—including roles at Selma University, Southern University in Shreveport, Virginia University of Lynchburg, and the Community Foundation of the Rappahannock River Region—Dr. Dobynes has dedicated his career to strengthening communities through educational advancement, leadership development, and social justice.

Charita Mariner

Master of Ceremony

Charita Mariner is a Cleveland, Ohio native, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and community leader dedicated to service and empowerment. After a successful executive career in retail leadership, she founded multiple businesses while continuing her work in community outreach and advocacy. She has partnered with numerous organizations to fight hunger and support families across Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C., including Feed the Children, Habitat for Humanity, and regional food banks. Deeply involved in faith and civic leadership, she has served in several influential roles within organizations focused on community development, family support, and African American empowerment. Recognized as one of the first women in the Stafford/Fredericksburg region to receive the Most Influential Woman Award in the Community, Ms. Mariner remains committed to uplifting others through service, mentorship, and giving back.

Neika Simone

National Performing Artist

Neika Simone is an American singer-songwriter, pianist, and music educator known for blending smooth jazz, soul, and R&B. Originally from North Carolina, she is classically trained in piano and voice and released her debut EP Beautiful Moments, featuring soulful songs about love, healing, and resilience. She also works as a music instructor while continuing to perform and write music.

1 A-Chord Band

Spotsylvania's 5-Piece R&B Band

1A-Chord is a live 5-piece R&B band from the Spotsylvania and Fredericksburg area known for delivering high-energy performances that blend classic soul, smooth R&B, funk, and contemporary favorites. A returning favorite at the annual Juneteenth Celebration, the band has built a strong local following through its engaging stage presence, rich live instrumentation, and ability to bring audiences of all ages together through music. With a sound rooted in community, culture, and celebration, 1A-Chord continues to be a staple in the region’s live entertainment scene

Get a sneak peek at what’s in store — download our event program and see how we’re forging the future this Juneteenth.

Event Program