Juneteenth marks the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States. Since its national recognition last, the federal holiday has been highlighted nationwide through themes of freedom, unity, and resilience.
Tracing its roots back to June 19, 1865, when Union General Gordon Granger touched down in Galveston, Texas, to announce the enforcement of the Emancipation Proclamation. While the proclamation was initially enacted by President Abraham Lincoln on January 1, 1863, many enslaved individuals in Texas were unaware of their freedom until Granger’s announcement. Since then, Juneteenth, or “Freedom Day,” has evolved into a celebration of freedom for African Americans while encouraging self-development and remembrance of our enslaved ancestors.
Check out some ways we plan on celebrating our Juneteenth below:
Philly’s Wawa Welcome America Festival is back, collaborating with The African American Museum in Philadelphia to include Juneteenth events. The festivities begin on June 19th and run until July 4th, with free Saturday programs in June exploring the impact of various African Americans.
On Juneteenth, the festival will host a daylong block party outside The African American Museum in Philadelphia. Themed “Rhythms of Liberation: Celebrating Juneteenth Through Music,” the event features performances by hip-hop legends Kid ‘n Play, local artists Seraiah Nicole, Suede Lace, DJ Rich Medina, and 2024 Philadelphia poet laureate Kai Davis. The block party also includes a vendor village with Black-owned businesses, food trucks, family activities, and a discussion with women political leaders, moderated by Soledad O’Brien and featuring former Atlanta mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms.
The 16-day celebration also includes Kidchella, Hispanic Fiesta, a Gospel music event with Grammy-winning singer Tamela Mann, and more. The festivities conclude on the Fourth of July with a massive free concert featuring Grammy-winning singer-songwriter NE-YO and pop superstar Kesha. More info at: https://www.visitphilly.com/things-to-do/events/wawa-welcome-america/#2024-highlights
Celebrate freedom and community at the 4th Annual Juneteenth Park-In & Party in Miami Gardens. FL on Saturday, June 15, at Hard Rock Stadium. This year’s event promises an afternoon filled with music, food, and festivities. The City of Miami Gardens will commemorate Juneteenth, also known as Emancipation Day, under the theme “America Keeps Its Promise For Freedom For All.” The event will be hosted by Miami Gardens’ own comedian Marvin Dixon and will feature music from DJ Bo Weezy. Gates open at 3:30 p.m., providing ample time to park, grab some food, and settle in for a lineup of local musical acts celebrating the diversity and cultural heritage of Miami Gardens. Don’t miss this vibrant celebration of freedom and unity!
Also in South Florida, the Virginia Key Beach Park Trust’s Juneteenth Freedom Day celebration kicks off on June 22, 2024, from 12 PM to 4 PM at The Historic Virginia Key Beach Park, Miami. Enjoy games, food, a petting zoo, bounce houses, live music from DJ Springer, and learn about the significance of Juneteenth and the park’s history as Miami’s only beach for Black people. Athalie Edwards, Executive Director/CEO of the Trust, highlights the importance of fully celebrating Juneteenth since its designation as a federal holiday in 2021. Discover more about Blacks in Marine Science, Repair the World, and Sustain the Culture while enjoying food from Tasty Delight and Kona Ice.
The 15th Annual Juneteenth NYC celebration will take place from June 13-19, 2024. This free festival and concert will feature events such as the Black Kings Celebration at Major Owens Center on June 13 at 6 PM, the Family Day Festival and Parade at Linden Park/Gershwin Park on June 15 starting at 8:30 AM, and a virtual summit on June 19 at 9 AM. Attendees can enjoy music, dance, poetry, history, vendors, and family activities. Juneteenth NYC has grown to attract over 50,000 attendees and millions of virtual viewers, celebrating Black culture and history through various community activities. More info: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/15th-annual-juneteenth-festival-summit-free-festival-concert-in-bklyn-tickets-827059937537?aff=oddtdtcreator
The second annual All About Us festival in Jersey City, NJ, is set for June 19, 2024, at Liberty State Park, thanks to a new partnership with the National Juneteenth Museum. Founded by Dr. Opal Lee, the museum joins the festival to commemorate Juneteenth with music, history, heritage, and education. This year’s fest features a performance by Crystal Waters and Musiq Soulchild. Attendees will enjoy interactive exhibits, and engaging activities, exploring the significance of Juneteenth and the hidden history behind Black hair, urban legends, and powerful Black films. Festival vendors will offer food, hair products, and clothes.
The Juneteenth Atlanta Parade & Music Festival kicks off June 21-23, celebrating freedom, unity, and equality. This vibrant event features six stages of live music, handmade merchandise from local and international vendors, delicious cuisines, and immersive cultural activities. Highlights include the Georgia United, televised Juneteenth Black History Parade on June 21, showcasing captivating floats, fly-over jets, colorful dance troupes, youth organizations, marching bands, and esteemed dignitaries.
If you’re spending time up north and looking for some Juneteenth fun, the state of Wisconsin has got you covered. Many black-led non-profits are preparing to deliver a variety of memorable celebrations to highlight African-American history. For starters, African Heritage Inc. kicked off the events with a celebration at Jones Park in Appleton that featured a black excellence graduation. To follow up the festivity, We All Rise is set to host a celebration on June 15th at Joannes Park in Green Bay.
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