How Are You Celebrating Juneteenth?
There are so many ways to commemorate the end of African American slavery in the United States. On June 19, 1865, Major General Gordon Granger ordered Union soldiers to deliver the news to Galveston, Texas that the war was over and slaves were being freed. Juneteenth was first celebrated in Galveston but became recognized as a federal holiday in 2021.
What was once marked as a day for prayer and public readings of the Emancipation Proclamation has matured into a day focused on African-American culture, including street fairs, barbecues, parties, rodeos, and more.
Here is a list of some of the events taking place in Brooklyn on Juneteenth this year:
- The 14th Annual Juneteenth NY Festival offers three days (June 16-18) of music, dance, history, poetry, skits, and vendors. The 2023 theme is “Kaleidoscope of Black Culture” and will kick off with a special awards ceremony, parade, festival, and fashion show.
- The second annual Juneteenth Food Festival is hosted at Weeksville Heritage Center on June 17 and 18. There will be 29 food vendors offering African American cuisine, as well as booths selling clothing, accessories, and books from Black brands.
- Juneteenth Jubilee at Brooklyn Museum celebrates Black artists, performers, and businesses. Guests can enjoy a soulful musical performance by Brown Sugar Bounce and have their pictures taken by the Souls in Focus collective.
Gather your friends and family, and head out to commemorate this momentous day in our country’s history!
