A federal holiday since 2021, Juneteenth celebrates the full promulgation of the United States’ Emancipation Proclamation.
This historic federal decree, made by President Abraham Lincoln on January 1, 1863, officially declared the 4 million enslaved Black Americans legally free. News of the proclamation spread slowly from east to west over the subsequent two years, with Texas, the nation’s westernmost Confederate state at the time, being the last one to announce the freedom of every American on June 19, 1865. Thus, the Juneteenth celebration was born.
In the subsequent years and decades, the Black American community has celebrated the occasion to various extents. Juneteenth officially became a universal American holiday through an act of Congress signed into law by President Joe Biden on June 17, 2021. Since then, Juneteenth has brought forth an array of culturally rich and innovative events. Read on to get inspired by major Juneteenth celebrations planned in cities across the USA.
Juneteenth Celebrations in New York City
The vibrant city offers a weekend-long program of artistic and athletic events. This includes an award ceremony honoring 28 influential men from NYC who have profoundly impacted their communities, a restaurant crawl featuring Black-owned businesses, and a festival featuring local vendors and performers.
Lincoln Center will host a program called “Some Sing,” an event created by curator Carl Hancock Rux. This unique celebration features concerts across the campus showcasing experimental jazz and soul performances, culminating in a main concert featuring the work of award-winning composer Toshi Reagon.
Juneteenth Celebrations in Chicago
Chicago is home to a rich history of Black American leaders, such as Ida B. Wells and Barack Obama. Juneteenth offers an excellent opportunity to explore this dynamic city while enjoying its summer festivities.
The DuSable Museum of African American History will host various events, allowing visitors to engage with an extensively researched collection before participating in the nearby Juneteenth Block Party.
For a more upscale experience, visit the iconic Willis Tower for the city’s Emancipation Ball. Attendees will enjoy cocktails made from Black-owned Chicago brands and art displays from Black artists.
In Bronzeville, Gallery Guichard showcases exceptional works related to the African diaspora. Consider taking the Bronzeville Art District Trolley tour, which conveniently stops at the gallery.
Juneteenth Celebrations in Atlanta
Atlanta is known nationally and internationally as a hub of Black American history. The city has been celebrating Juneteenth for decades with a variety of concerts, festivals, museum tours, and parties. The 5K Freedom Run and the three-day Juneteenth Atlanta Parade and Music Festival at Centennial Olympic Park are popular events, showcasing everything from aerial flyovers to dance troupes and markets filled with Black-owned vendors.
Juneteenth Celebrations in Houston
Houston is the birthplace of the first Juneteenth celebration, making its festivities both fun and profound. Emancipation Park in the city’s 3rd Ward is a notable location for events, which include lectures, a Freedom Run/Walk, and music celebrations. The Annual Juneteenth Celebration Vendor Market will feature stalls from over 50 Black-owned vendors, offering an array of handmade and homemade merchandise.
Juneteenth Celebrations in Portsmouth, New Hampshire
The Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire celebrates the legacy of African American communities in New England year-round. For Juneteenth, this organization has organized educational projects and polished arts programming in Portsmouth, featuring academic lectures, a Motown musical event, and an African drumming workshop.
