Welcome
to the 4th Annual Juneteenth Celebration!
I am Nicole Cole, President and Founder of PTSF, the current sitting Delegate for House District 66, and a proud advocate for public education and community engagement. It is my honor to welcome each of you as we gather together to celebrate freedom, unity, culture, and progress on this special day.
Thank you for joining us in commemorating Juneteenth — a historic reminder of resilience, liberation, and the ongoing pursuit of equity and opportunity for all. This event was created not only to celebrate our shared history, but also to bring our community together in fellowship, joy, education, and empowerment.
As someone deeply committed to public service and advocacy, I believe meaningful change happens when communities unite with purpose. Through PTSF and my work in public office, I remain dedicated to strengthening public education, uplifting families, supporting local businesses, and creating opportunities that benefit our entire community.
Today is a celebration of freedom — freedom to learn, freedom to speak, freedom to gather, and freedom to build a better future together. It is also a reminder that preserving those freedoms requires continued engagement, compassion, and collective action.
I encourage everyone to fully enjoy this celebration. Meet someone new, support our amazing Black-owned vendors and community organizations, enjoy the music and performances, laugh, dance, sing, and embrace the spirit of togetherness that makes this event so meaningful year after year.
Thank you for your continued support of this event and the mission behind it. Your presence here helps make this celebration possible and reminds us all of the power of community.
Welcome, enjoy yourselves, and Happy Juneteenth!
Sincerely,
The Honorable Nicole T. Cole
President & Founder, PTSF
Delegate, Virginia House District 66
Event Highlights
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.
REV. DR. AARON DOBYNES
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.
Master of Ceremony
1A-Chord
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.
NEIKA SIMONE
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.
National Performing Artist
Our Sponsors
Our Vendors
Share the Joy. Share the Memories
Upload your favorite photos and videos from the celebration and help us preserve the joy, culture, and community moments that made this Juneteenth unforgettable.
Keep the celebration going! Share your moments online using #UnityInActionJuneteenth2026 and #ForgeTheFutureAwards2026. We can’t wait to see your posts!
