RDA Prepares for Annual True North Speaker Series Juneteeth Celebration on June 19

For more information, contact:     
                                                                                                     
Shane Brogden                                                                                                                    

Director of Promotions and Communications

Email: Shane@riverdistrictassociation.com

River District Association Prepares for Annual True North Speaker Series Juneteenth Celebration on June 19

For Immediate Release

DANVILLE, Va. (June 18, 2026)  – The River District Association will host its annual True North Speaker Series Juneteenth Celebration on June 19, honoring Black women's contributions to the community and unveiling the next season of its popular speaker series.

The event, running from 4 to 8:30 p.m. at Thee Arc Family Life Center, recognizes the impact Black women have made in entrepreneurship, economics, health and community development throughout the region's history.

This year’s celebration will feature a vendor marketplace showcasing Black women-owned businesses and artwork, panel discussions with season three speakers from the True North Speaker Series and networking opportunities for guests. Attendees can also look forward to music by DJ Pink-E and a performance of “Freedom Ain’t Free,” a skit written by Mitzi Coles with MGC Productions.

"What started as a way to make sure Black women’s stories had a permanent place in our community’s history has grown into something so much bigger than I imagined," said Lashawn Farmer, director of design and expansion for the River District Association. “Every season, we meet women who are reshaping what leadership looks like in Danville, and Juneteenth is the perfect time to celebrate all of them together.”

The True North Speaker Series airs monthly on the North Main Business District Facebook page, the River District Association YouTube page and airs twice a day on River City TV Comcast Channel 10. The series has spotlighted over 30+ women who lead with excellence across business, civic leadership and community work.

At this year's celebration, the River District Association will announce season four of the True North Speaker Series, themed "Living the Promise," and introduce the 11 women who will be featured throughout the upcoming season.

While this event specifically honors Black women's contributions to our community, it is designed for everyone. Friends and neighbors of all backgrounds are warmly welcomed and encouraged to attend.

"It's an honor to celebrate not only the achievements of these ladies, but their example for all of us and I can't wait for the community to meet the women of season four,” said Farmer.

The River District Association's mission focuses on transforming Danville's River District and North Main Business Corridor as a welcoming place for all while inspiring social and economic development in the Dan River Region.

For more information, contact Lashawn Farmer at lashawn@riverdistrictassociation.com or 434-791-0210.

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Event Details:

Event: True North Speaker Series Juneteenth Celebration
Date: Friday, June 19
Time: 4 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Location: Thee Arc Family Life Center - 427 E. Thomas St. Danville, VA 24540