Juneteenth Celebrations

“A Celebration of Freedom, Unity, Community, & Opportunity”:

Juneteenth: A Celebration of Freedom, Unity, Community, & Opportunity

June 19th, known as Juneteenth, is a day of deep significance—a day that honors the end of slavery in the United States and celebrates the strength, resilience, and unyielding spirit of the Black community.

It was on this day in 1865 that Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, with the life-altering news that the Civil War had ended and that enslaved people were now free—more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. This delayed freedom marked a bittersweet victory and a new beginning for generations of African Americans.

Freedom: Honoring the Legacy

Juneteenth is first and foremost a celebration of freedom. It is a moment to reflect on the painful history of slavery and to honor the journey toward liberation. It’s a reminder of the progress that’s been made—and the work that still lies ahead to ensure true freedom and justice for all.

Major Regional Celebrations

Washington, D.C. Area (June 14–22)

  • Concerts, educational workshops, family festivals, historical exhibitions, and cultural performances

  • Prince George’s County festival with Junkyard Band & CeCe Peniston

  • Parade & gospel concert in Montgomery County

  • Emancipation Proclamation & General Order No. 3 display at the National Archives

  • Smithsonian Anacostia mural painting/yoga/music sessions

  • Highlights: Alexandria spiritual sessions, Kennedy Center children’s play, National Harbor market/dance/film evening koco.com+15washingtonpost.com+15cbsnews.com+15

Austin, TX Area

  • Series starting June 7: neighborhood celebration in Mueller, cookout at Carver Museum (June 14), Block Party in Leander (June 14), ACC and Carver events (June 18–19), countywide celebration (June 20), cultural gathering (June 22), African American Book Festival (June 28) statesman.com

Houston, TX

Port Arthur, TX

🏙️ Local & Regional Events

North Carolina (Central Region)

  • Durham: Guided Emancipation Tours at Stagville (June 19)

  • RTP hub: “Party in the Park” (June 19)

  • Mebane: “Juneteenth Jubilee” at library (June 19)

  • Fayetteville: Memorial lecture (June 16)

  • Garner: “Sewing for Freedom!” library program (June 12) + film/music event (June 21)

  • Hillsborough: Poetry & songs event (June 18)

  • Raleigh: Historical lectures, walking tours, films, open-studio art & family day scattered June 13–20 houstonchronicle.com+14abc11.com+14employmentlawhandbook.com+14

  • Orange County (Hillsborough/Carrboro): Juneteenth Celebration across venues with free cultural events on June 13 orangecountync.gov

  • Durham: “Durmnik” community culinary picnic by Chef Ricky Moore — featuring multicultural chef lunches and red-hued symbolic dishes (honebiscus mocktail, watermelon salad) southernliving.com

Atlanta, GA

Chicago Area

Tampa Bay Area

  • Local events with live music, exhibits, poetry readings, film screenings wusf.org

Lansing, MI Area

  • Michigan State University commemorative event themed “A Juneteenth Renaissance: Bridging Freedom's Legacy and Tomorrow's Vision” lansingcitypulse.com

Southfield, MI

🎯 Other Regional Celebrations

🕊️ Why These Matter

These celebrations combine historical remembrance, cultural pride, community education, and joyful festivity. In many areas—particularly urban centers and historically Black communities—they include parades, live music, food vendors, performances, tours, and educational displays.