As the summer approaches, excitement builds for the upcoming Juneteenth celebrations across the United States. Cities such as NYC, D.C., and Baltimore prepare to honor this meaningful holiday with festivals and events that highlight the vibrant contributions of African Americans in art, music, and culture.
The History Of Juneteenth
Juneteenth, now recognized as a federal holiday, commemorates the arrival of Union troops in Galveston Bay, Texas, on June 19, 1865, when the long-awaited news of freedom reached approximately 250,000 enslaved individuals still in bondage. This symbolic date holds immense historical significance for African Americans as it represents the milestone of emancipation.
The significance of Juneteenth lies in its recognition of the struggles and resilience of African Americans throughout history. It serves as a reminder of the long journey toward equality and the ongoing fight against racial injustice. Juneteenth celebrations honor the past and serve as a platform for educating and empowering future generations about the African-American experience.
It was officially designated as a federal holiday on June 17, 2021, and holds profound importance in American history. Although the Emancipation Proclamation was issued on January 1, 1863, news of freedom took two and a half years to reach enslaved individuals in Texas.
As Juneteenth increases in recognition and significance nationwide, communities eagerly prepare to celebrate this meaningful holiday by embracing hip-hop and Black culture through shows, festivals, and events. Aiming to not only commemorate the historical significance of Juneteenth but also showcase the vibrant contributions of African American art, music, and culture.
With a focus on hip-hop and Black culture, Juneteenth festivals in cities like NYC, D.C., and Baltimore will provide a space for artists, musicians, and performers to showcase their talents and contributions. The festivals aim to create an atmosphere of unity, celebration, and reflection, amplifying the voices and creativity of the African-American community.
Juneteenth Festivals Celebrating Hip-Hop
Jammin’ In Jeff hosted By Lil Jon
Grammy Award-winning rapper/producer Lil Jon will headline the Jammin’ in Jeff Juneteenth celebration concert. The concert will be hosted at the Riverstage in Jeffersonville, Ind. on June 18. The lawn opens at 6 p.m. with the concert beginning at 7 p.m.
Park Jams
One other Juneteenth concert involving hip-hop will include Park Jams: A Juneteenth Celebration of Hip-Hop. This concert will take place on June 19 at the Capital One City Parks Foundation SummerStage in New York City.
The lineup will include hip-hop legends such as DJ Premier, Grandmaster Flash, Kid Capri, DJ Spinking, DJ Diamond Kuts, and Statik Selektah.
AFRAM
A celebration for Juneteenth will also take place at the AFRAM Juneteenth Festival which will be in Baltimore. The concert will take place in Druid Hill Park from June 17-18. The festival will celebrate Baltimore club music as well as the 50th anniversary of hip-hop.
Acts for the festival include the Isley Brothers, Ty Dolla $ign, Eric Bellinger, Tamar Braxton, Kid Capri, Spinderella, and more.
3rd Annual Freedom Festival
The National Juneteenth Foundation will host thousands of guests for its upcoming 3rd Annual Freedom Festival. The weekend kicks off on Thursday, June 15, with an HBCU President’s Forum, followed by a legislative reception and Juneteenth Honors featuring performances by Ashanti, Ja Rule, I Am Compton, and more. The black-tie affair will recognize industry legends Chuck D., Herbie Hancock, and other community leaders such as T.I., Tameka Mallory, HBCU presidents, and other special guests.
The weekend will offer attendees a chance to hear from corporate leaders and DE&I experts and attend one of the largest diversity-focused career fairs in the country. The festival’s family-friendly events include a Book and Bike Give-a-way and a culminating block party on Saturday. More information and tickets can be found at www.thejuneteenthfoundation.com. See the sizzle reel for 2023.
If you can’t make it to New York or D.C., check out these other Juneteenth Festivals nationwide. Other Juneteenth festivals share ideas and marketing strategies to raise the awareness of Juneteenth and hidden Black History.
Other Local Juneteenth Events
The White House Celebrates Juneteenth 2023
The White House is planning to host its first-ever Juneteenth concert in honor and recognition of the newest federal holiday. The Juneteenth concert will be held on the South Lawn of the White House on Tuesday, June 13, and will feature an impressive lineup that draws from the best in arts and entertainment, including singers, actors and actresses, hip-hop and HBCU cultures, and others.
The 34th Annual Utah Juneteenth Freedom Festival- Juneteenth Wave Of Freedom
Utah Juneteenth Headquarters is getting ready for its Juneteenth celebration.
There will be live entertainment all day, with some smooth R&B; Spoken Word, Gospel & Juneteenth Community Choir, local church choirs; hip-hop, dance, Jazz, and more. Just to name a few of the fun, and exciting things you’ll enjoy!
The 4th Annual Juneteenth Festival 2023 Freedom Festival In Brunswick, Georgia
Come enjoy shopping with a variety of 50+ adult and kid vendors, food trucks, dancing, games, stage performances from local artists, choirs, a host of entertainment, and so much more.
Celebrate Freedom: Juneteenth Family Fun Day In Houston, Texas
This event brings together seven historically Black communities from across Houston to celebrate the richness of our culture, pay homage to the pioneers of Juneteenth, and experience jubilee in a way that is uniquely our own
El Segundo
Join them for their 2nd annual Juneteenth celebration. This year we will be hosting a festival for the joyous celebration of freedom
The African American Museum of Iowa In Cedar Rapids
Storytime: 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. June 10
Decolonizing Mental Health Film Screening: 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. June 14
dwb Driving While Black: 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. June 16. Free, but tickets are required.
Juneteenth Festival: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. June 17, NewBo City Market, Cedar Rapids.
Quad City Juneteenth Festival
The Friends of MLK are proud to host the Quad City Juneteenth Festival from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Saturday, June 17, at the Lincoln Center TMBC at 318 E. 7th St., Davenport, IA.
Michigan Juneteenth Events 2023
Ann Arbor
3rd Annual Juneteenth Symposium
Thursday, June 15, 2023, 8:30 am – Friday, June 16, 2023, 8 pm
Location: Michigan League, 911 N. University Ave., Ann Arbor, MI 48109
Ann Arbor NAACP 29th Annual Juneteenth Celebration
Saturday, June 17, 2023, Noon-6 pm
Location: Wheeler Park, 200 Depot St., Ann Arbor, MI
More information: 734.761.9084
Benton Harbor
Benton Harbor Juneteenth
Saturday, June 17, 2023, 1-6 pm
Parade starts on Main St @1 pm
Location: Downtown Benton Harbor, MI
More information: [email protected]
Detroit
The 5th Annual Juneteenth Jubilee Detroit Freedom Weekend
Beats & BBQ Juneteenth Kickoff
Friday, June 16, 2023, 6:30 pm -11 pm
Location: Batch Brewing Company, 1400 Porter St., Detroit, MI 48216
Freedom Day 5K
Saturday, June 17, 2023, 8 am – Noon
Location: Mary Conservancy, 8425 W. McNichols, Detroit, MI 49221
Juneteenth Jubilee Stroll
Saturday, June 17, 2023, Noon – 6 pm
Location: Livernois Historic Avenue of Fashion, Between 6 & 8 Mile – Register at 19472 Livernois
Freedom Fest
Sunday, June 18, 2023, Noon -6 pm
Location: 2810 Russell St., Detroit,MI 48207
More information @ juneteenthjubileedet.com
Flint
51st Annual Traditional Flint Juneteenth Celebration
Friday, June 9, 2023-June 19, 2023, 4 pm
3606 Dupont St., Flint, MI 48504
Grand Rapids
3rd Annual Justice for All Juneteenth Jam
Saturday, June 17th, 1-5 pm
Location: Rosa Parks Circle, 135 Monroe Center St. NW, Grand Rapids, MI
Grand Rapids Community Juneteenth Parade and Celebration 2023
Monday, June 19, 2023, Noon-7 pm
Location Dickinson Buffer Park, 1635 Willard Ave. Southeast, Grand Rapids, MI 49507
Parade in Noon-1 @ corner of Hall & Eastern Ave.
More information- [email protected]
Kalamazoo
Kalamazoo Juneteenth 2023
Friday, June 16, 2023 -Mon, June 19, 2023,
More information – @Juneteenthkzoo
Lansing
Pizza Party Fundraiser and Juneteenth Celebration
Wednesday, June 21, 2023, 11:00 am – 2 pm
Location: Capitol Building, 100 N Capitol Ave., Lansing, MI
3rd Annual Black Lansing Juneteenth Mixer
Friday, June 16, 2023, 7:00 pm
Location: Lansing Art Gallery & Education Center, 300 S Washington Square, Suite 100, Lansing, MI
2023 Capitol City Kick-Off Juneteenth Opening Program
Thursday, June 15, 2023, 5:30 pm-7:30 pm
Location: Lansing Community College, Downtown Campus, Gannon Center Building, 411 N Grand Ave., Lansing, MI.
517 Juneteenth Weekend (REO Town)
Thursday, June 15, 2023, 6 pm- Sun, June 18, 2023, 4:30 pm
Location: REO Town, Lansing, MI
More information – https://www.ourspace517.com/517juneteenth
Lansing Juneteenth 5K Run/Walk/Roll
Saturday, June 17, 2023, 8:30 am
Location: JW Sexton High School, 102 Mc Pherson Ave., Lansing, MI 48915
Parade is at 11am starting at Sexton HS
More information – https://runsignup.com/Race/MI/Lansing/Juneteenth5krunwalk
Juneteenth Reception Celebration
Friday, June 8, 6-8 pm
Location: Lansing Center, 333 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing, MI 48933
More information – www.Michiganpremierevents.com/Juneteenth
The Annual Juneteenth Community Ballgame
Saturday, June 10th, 2-4 pm
Location:Benjamin Davis Park, Lansing, MI
30th Lansing Juneteenth Celebration & African American Parade
Thur, June 15-Sat, June 17, 2023
Location: St. Joseph Park, 2125 W Hillsdale Ave., Lansing, MI
Saginaw
Saginaw Juneteenth Celebration
Saturday, June 17th, 11am
Location: Marley Plaza and SVRC Marketplace in Saginaw, MI
Parade begins at Hoyt Park on S Washington (next to Saginaw Children Zoo), line up starts at 9:30 am.
More information- www.SaginawJuneteenthCelebration.com
Southfield
Juneteenth Comedy Ball
Saturday, June 17, 2023, 7-10 pm
Location- Radisson Hotel Southfield-Detroit, 26555 Telegraph Rd., Southfield, MI.
Oklahoma
Come explore your freedom at the annual Tulsa Juneteenth Festival in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on the historical Greenwood Ave.
This is a safe space to express yourself entirely as free and worthy of the joy of liberation. This community welcomes you to share a time of deep belonging and celebration with us.
Maryland
Creative Suitland presents the 3rd Annual Juneteenth Arts and Cultural Festival
The Juneteenth Arts and Cultural Festival will be a 2-Day celebration that commemorates the end of slavery in the United States and honors the state holiday. Juneteenth, or “Freedom Day,” celebrates not only the freedom of enslaved people in the United States of America but also the many achievements of African Americans. The third annual festival will feature live performances, a community drum circle, a farmer’s market, spoken word performances, film screenings, genealogy resources, and family-friendly activities.
Location: Creative Suitland Arts Center 4719 Silver Hill Road Suitland-Silver Hill, MD 20746