As Juneteenth is officially recognized as a federal holiday, communities from across the nation are coming together to celebrate in their own unique ways. Here are just some of the celebrations happening this year:
Galveston, Texas
As the home of some of the earliest Juneteenth celebrations, Galveston was the last place to be informed of the emancipation proclamation two years after its passing. For decades, people have journeyed to the city year after year to celebrate in the exact location where Juneteenth was born. This year, people can come to commemorate Juneteenth by attending the Galveston Festival, complete with a celebratory picnic and parade, attend the Emancipation Gospel Celebration that’s put on by the Juneteenth Legacy Project and attend the 45th annual reading of the Emancipation Proclamation on June 19th.
Los Angeles, California
In the city famous for film and television, Los Angeles has one of the most extensive rosters of celebratory events in the country. Those celebrating the holiday can attend special screenings of movies and television shows starring and created by Black creatives, go to special museum exhibits honoring Black history or attend one of the festivals happening throughout the city. Two of the most popular celebrations are the Juneteenth Festival in Leimert Park Village and the 3rd annual Juneteenth: A Global Celebration Concert, featuring Black musicians and artists.
Washington, D.C.
Known not only for its politics, but for its rich history and educational centers, Washington D.C. museums are what bring the city’s Juneteenth celebrations to life. Across the numerous Smithsonian museums, the public is invited to learn about Black and African American culture, art, history and contributions during the month of June and around June 19th. Washington D.C. is also home to the original Emancipation Proclamation document, the Black Lives Matter Plaza and the Home Rule music festival—all of which are also commonly visited in celebration.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia is home to some of the largest Juneteenth celebrations in the country. Each year, the entire city comes together for the Philadelphia Juneteenth Parade and Festival—a series of celebratory activities and events scattered across the city. The day’s events include a parade, concerts, art shows, a marketplace, youth activities and even a Miss Juneteenth beauty pageant. These events are free to the public, create opportunities to celebrate Black-owned businesses and are dedicated to bringing Philly’s communities together in a cultural and historical celebration.
New York, New York
In one of the most well-known cities in America, New York takes its celebrations beyond the June 19th date. With over 20,000 attendees a year, New York is home to the Juneteenth NY Festival, which strives to educate as much as it celebrates. Seminars and educational talks (also available online) are offered, as well as art and music showcases, theatrical performances, concerts, family events and a fashion show. These events take place over several days on and around the Juneteenth holiday.
Chicago, Illinois
Each year, Chicago celebrates Juneteenth with its annual Family Festival, held in Chicago’s Morgan Park. The free event not only includes classic festival activities such as live music, dancing, marketplaces and food, but also offers health and wellness resources free of charge. Attendees can receive free health screenings, vaccinations, dental exams and mental health care resources. As its name implies, the event is fully family friendly and includes a plethora of activities for children of all ages to enjoy.
Montgomery, Alabama
Montgomery, Alabama, is considered the birthplace of the civil rights movement. It was here in December 1955 that the Montgomery bus boycott took place after Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat. The city is also home to the National Memorial for Peace and Justice, the Legacy Museum, and Freedom Monument Sculpture Park – known collectively as the Legacy Sites. The memorial sits on a 6-acre space and allows visitors to explore the history of racial injustice, while the museum takes visitors on a journey from enslavement to current issues of mass incarceration through exhibits and art.
Atlanta, Georgia
The Juneteenth Atlanta Parade and Music Festival runs from June 21 to 23. Visitors can watch the annual parade on June 22, then celebrate with live music and entertainment, games, and food at the festival in Piedmont Park. Juneteenth Atlanta, which hosts the parade and festival, will also have the Juneteenth Rodeo and Agricultural Expo on June 19 and the 5K Freedom Run on June 23.
Baltimore, Maryland
Fittingly, Baltimore has some music-centric ways to honor the Juneteenth holiday. The 47th annual AFRAM festival is a two-day event starting on June 22 that will have live music from artists like Busta Rhymes, Mya and Morris Day on top of fashion and food at Druid Hill Park.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
The city of Milwaukee’s Juneteenth event is considered one of the oldest celebrations in the country. The area began hosting its yearly event in 1971 after then-Northcott Neighborhood House staffer Margaret Rogers attended a Juneteenth event in Georgia and inspired a local celebration. Now in its 53rd year, the event is still run by Northcott Neighborhood House. The 2024 event theme is “Our History, Our Culture, Our Village.” You can become a part of Juneteenth history by attending one of the many city events during the holiday weekend. More than 50,000 spectators attend the event each year.
Houston, Texas
The Heritage Society at Sam Houston Park offers tours to celebrate Jubilee Day. Each Saturday from June 1 to 19, Juneteenth Tea Cakes and Tours will take visitors to three UNESCO-recognized historic homes in Houston’s 4th Ward. Attendees also get to sample tea cakes and red punch. On June 15 or 22, book the “From Plantation to Emancipation” signature tour to learn about Black history through reenactment storytelling. The society also has an option for visitors to take the year-round Black History Tour.
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