Juneteenth, also known as Emancipation Day or Freedom Day, is a holiday celebrated in the United States on June 19th. It commemorates the day in 1865 when Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced to the enslaved people there that they were free, effectively ending chattel slavery in the United States. This year, Juneteenth is particularly significant because it has been declared a federal holiday by President Joe Biden. This means that all federal employees will have the day off on June 19th, and many private companies and organizations may also choose to observe the holiday.
Juneteenth is celebrated in many different ways across the United States. There are parades, festivals, concerts, and other events that take place in cities and towns throughout the country. Here are some Juneteenth celebrations across the US:
Juneteenth in Atlanta, GA
The Juneteenth Atlanta Parade and Music Festival features a parade, live music, food, and vendors. It takes place on Saturday, June 19th, at Morris Brown College.
Juneteenth in New York, NY
The 14th Annual Juneteenth Kaleidoscope of Black Culture festival is back with live music, a virtual summit, an award ceremony for community activists, a Festival Community Day with vendors, games and a kids zone and a fashion show, parade, field day and concert on the last day of the 3- day celebration June 16th- 18th!
Juneteenth in Los Angeles
In Los Angeles, the Juneteenth Heritage Festival takes place in Leimert Park, one of the city's historic African American neighborhoods. The festival features live music, vendors, and a cultural marketplace. There will also be an art exhibit, a film screening, and a poetry slam.
Juneteenth in Houston, Texas
Houston has a long history of Juneteenth celebrations, dating back to the first public celebration of the holiday in 1872. This year, the city will host a Juneteenth parade, a music festival, and a gala. There will also be a family fun day with games, food, and vendors.
Juneteenth in Philadelphia, PA
The Juneteenth Parade and Festival in Philadelphia is one of the largest Juneteenth celebrations in the country. The event includes a parade, a festival, and a concert. The parade features marching bands, drill teams, and floats, and begins at City Hall and ends at the festival site at Penn's Landing. The festival includes live music, food vendors, children's activities, and a marketplace. In addition to the parade and festival, there are also educational events and programming throughout the city leading up to Juneteenth. This year, the Juneteenth Parade and Festival in Philadelphia is expected to draw thousands of attendees and will take place on Saturday, June 18th.
There are also many ways to celebrate Juneteenth on a smaller scale. For example, you can host a cookout or barbecue with friends and family, or you can attend a local Juneteenth event. You can also wear Juneteenth t-shirts or other clothing that celebrates the holiday.
Additionally, you can educate yourself and others about the history of Juneteenth and the significance of the holiday.If you're looking for Juneteenth events happening in the US this year, there are many resources available. Essence magazine has compiled a list of 31 Juneteenth events happening across the country, including parades, festivals, and other celebrations. Boston.com has also put together a list of 5 ways to celebrate Juneteenth in Boston, including attending the Embrace Ideas Festival 2023. Good Good Good has a list of 23 ways to thoughtfully celebrate Juneteenth, including supporting Black-owned businesses and donating to organizations that work to advance racial justice.
The Juneteenth holiday is a time to reflect on the legacy of chattel slavery and the struggle for freedom, as well as to celebrate the contributions of African Americans to American culture and society. It is an opportunity to recognize the ongoing struggle for equality and justice, and to reaffirm our commitment to building a more just and equitable society.