Explore the many Juneteenth celebrations across the USA to commemmorate this important federal holiday.
On June 17, 2021, Juneteenth officially became a federal holiday. For 2023, it will be celebrated on Monday, June 19.
Juneteenth is a day dedicated to recognizing justice and freedom for African Americans and Black people in America.
The history of Juneteenth: It’s short for ‘June Nineteenth’, which marks the day when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas in 1865 to take control of the state and ensure that all enslaved people be freed. The troops’ arrival came a full two and a half years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. Juneteenth honors the end to slavery in the United States and is considered the longest-running African American holiday.
Here are a few of the celebrations taking place across the USA to commemorate Juneteenth.
NEW YORK CITY - Join the celebration in Bryant Park with a special Juneteenth Celebration to close this season’s Contemporary Dance Series, featuring Josh Johnson, Music From The Sole, Earl Mosley’s Diversity of Dance, and more. Josh Johnson is a Harlem native who tap-danced on the trains of NYC to pay for tuition at Penn State University. He’s been featured on ABC World News and on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. He’s been a Red Carpet Correspondent on the Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards, and has also been featured on Dancing With the Stars. For more information, use this link: https://bryantpark.org/calendar/event/contemporary-dance-juneteenth-celebration.
LOS ANGELES - Greenway Arts Alliance and The Mid City West LA Neighborhood Council co-host the second annual Juneteenth celebration at the Melrose Trading Post. This community event celebrates Black Freedom, Resilience, and Joy, creating space for Black musicians, poets, authors, artists, dancers, comedians, creative small business owners and community members to shine, celebrate, and heal together. https://melrosetradingpost.org/juneteenth-2022/
ATLANTA - Juneteenth Atlanta Parade and Music Festival, June 16-18, 2023. This high-spirited celebration of freedom, unity, and equality fills Centennial Olympic Park and the streets of Atlanta with the soulful sound of live music, amazing hand-made merchandise from local vendors, mouthwatering cuisine, and various cultural activities for all. There’s a vibrant televised parade (June 17, 2023) featuring captivating floats, colorful dance troops, youth organizations, marching bands, and local and national dignitaries. https://www.juneteenthatl.com/
CHICAGO - Chicago Juneteenth 2023 Dance Competition is a celebration of Chicago’s Black American dance culture! Black American dancers from the West and South sides are invited to bring their best Footworking and Hip Hop moves to this friendly competition. The final prize is $500 for the top Footworker and $500 for the top Hip Hop Dancer! Key Dates: Saturday, June 17, 2023 - Regional Battles on the West and South sides. Monday, June 19, 2023 - Final Battle. https://allevents.in/chicago/chicago-juneteenth-dance-competition/200024667326331
There are many celebrations across the country, so be sure to find an event in your neighborhood!
