The Carver Alumni Association will bring the community together in Purcellville on Sept. 19 for its annual Emancipation Day celebration, continuing the organization’s work to preserve local Black history and support residents across generations.

The celebration will begin at 11 a.m. at the Carver Community Center, 200 Willie Palmer Way in Purcellville, and will feature guest speakers, gospel choirs, an Emancipation roll call, door prizes, vendors and a free lunch.

The program will also include remarks from Purcellville Mayor Chris Bertaut and a speaker addressing Juneteenth. An auction and 50/50 raffle are also planned.

The Carver Alumni Association traces its beginnings to 2009 and received nonprofit 501(c)(3) status in 2012. Its members include former students of Carver Elementary School in Purcellville, but membership is open to anyone interested in helping the organization continue its work.

Preserving the history of Carver and Black history in Loudoun County is central to the group’s mission. The organization also works to carry that history forward through service to the community, including annual scholarships, assistance to senior citizens, school supplies for students and programs supporting young people.

“Even though we are a small organization, we will do as much as we can to accomplish our mission in the community,” said Garry Smith, treasurer of the Carver Alumni Association.

The annual Emancipation Day celebration is part of that mission, combining remembrance of the past with fellowship among today’s community.

The day’s program will open with a welcome and prayer, followed by an Emancipation roll call. Gospel music, guest speakers and door prize drawings will be interspersed throughout the program, with a prayer before the free community lunch.

Following lunch, the program will continue with additional speakers and gospel music, including remarks focused on Juneteenth, before concluding with comments from participants.

For the Carver alumni, the event is also an opportunity to invite more people to become involved in the organization and help ensure its work continues.

Smith said membership is open to anyone who wants to participate and help make the organization successful.

The celebration is free and open to the community, with seating available for approximately 100 people.

The Carver Alumni Association’s Emancipation Day Celebration will be held Saturday, Sept. 19, beginning at 11 a.m. at the Carver Community Center, 200 Willie Palmer Way, Purcellville.