Juneteenth, also known as “June Nineteenth,” holds a profound cultural significance within the Black community. It represents the moment when federal troops descended upon Galveston, Texas, in 1865, seizing control of the state and proclaiming the liberation of all those ensnared in the chains of slavery. It is crucial to recognize that this momentous occasion transpired a staggering two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation had been inked. Juneteenth is a day of remembrance, reflection, and jubilation. Here are some ways our community is commemorating the occasion in 2024.
Dr. Opal Lee, the “Grandmother of Juneteenth,” played a pivotal role in Juneteenth’s recognition in Texas 45 years ago. In 2016, she made history again by capturing national attention. At age 89, embarked on a 1,400-mile trek from Fort Worth to Washington, D.C., petitioning for the official recognition of Juneteenth as a national holiday.
This year is just as important to her. Dr. Lee says, “Juneteenth represents freedom for all, yet we are not truly free. Too many disparities persist, such as homelessness, unemployment, and unequal access to healthcare. You, the young people, have the power to change this—so get active and make a difference.”
Jubilee Day
While many consider Jubilee Day and Juneteenth interchangeable, it’s important to recognize that without the former, our national holiday might not have gained the widespread recognition it has today. In 1865, freedmen in Texas initiated “Jubilee Day,” celebrations held annually on June 19. These gatherings were rich with the tapestry of our heritage and featured music, barbecues, prayer services, and other joyful activities. As Black individuals migrated across the nation, Juneteenth became woven into our cultural fabric. It was a matter of tradition. Texas led the way by making it a state holiday in 1979, and in June 2021, Congress declared it a federal holiday. Now, on a national level, every June 19th, we honor our ancestors and celebrate the profound impact of our collective journey.
2024 Celebrations Around the Country
Washington D.C.
While we all have different ways of celebrating Juneteenth, we want to highlight how various parts of the country embrace the holiday.
To start off, the South Lawn of the White House was packed with people and vibrant energy on Monday, June 10th. The 2024 White House Juneteenth Concert had an array of talent, with legends like Patti LaBelle, Gladys Knight, Charlie Wilson, and many more. The concert also coincided with Black Music Month. It was a space for honoring our culture and the art forms that helped shape America. People of all generations enjoyed the event as it bridged the past and present and symbolized our progress.
If you want to attend an upcoming event in the lovely D.C. area, consider visiting the National Museum of African American History and Culture on June 15th. From 11:00 to 4:30 p.m., the museum will host an event themed “Freedom, Movement, and Migration.” It will be the perfect time for families to engage in a meaningful celebration of our history, freedom, and cultural impact, commemorating Juneteenth’s significance in American history.
Atlanta, Georgia
It’s almost time for the Juneteenth Atlanta Parade & Music Festival, which will be held in Piedmont Park from June 21st to 23rd. Atlanta has hosted this event since 2011; it’s a celebration that fills the streets and immerses you in the beauty of our culture. Most attendees look forward to live music, various vendors, and good cuisine, but the festival is definitely a family space. On the 21st, the parade will feature captivating floats, dance troops, and marching bands.
Tulsa, Oklahoma
Tulsa Juneteenth is a community-funded festival on historic Greenwood Avenue, also known as Black Wall Street. The festival serves as a safe space for the community and a time to embody the liberation and resilience that characterizes our culture. Whether it be a 5k run, art exhibitions, wellness sessions, or live music, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Galveston, Texas
If you want to go to where it all began, the birthplace of Juneteenth, then Galveston, Texas, should be on your destination list. The city is filled with historic sites, and there is always an opportunity to partake in their tours, which immerse you in the history and celebration of such a historic moment. Their annual Juneteenth Festival is coming up soon, on the 15th; it is the perfect mix of art, music, fitness, cuisine, and, most importantly, community.
Jersey City, New Jersey
For the second annual All About Us Festival at Liberty State Park on June 19th. Festival organizers have partnered with the National Juneteenth Museum in Fort Worth, Texas. The All About Us festival celebrates Black culture by blending music, heritage, history, and education into an immersive experience for all age groups. If you’re interested in musical talent, you may look forward to seeing their impressive line-up of performers, including artists like Musiq Soulchild and Crystal Waters. The event will feature exhibits on the history of Black hair, Black cinema, vendors, tasty food, live music, and access to healthcare and wellness resources. “Juneteenth serves as a day for reflection and recommitment to the values of freedom and equity, urging us to confront contemporary challenges and work towards a society where everyone’s rights are truly respected and upheld,” said Shannon Mitchell, festival co-founder.
The National Juneteenth Museum
As we celebrate Juneteenth, we are celebrating the preservation of our past and the current global impact of our culture, yet there is still much to look forward to in our future. We can anticipate the grand opening of the National Juneteenth Museum. This institution will commemorate the formerly enslaved’s historic journey and become a captivating tourist destination and a space for collaborative education.
Dr. Opal Lee, a founding board member, is affectionately known as the “Grandmother of Juneteenth.” She played a pivotal role in Juneteenth’s recognition in Texas 45 years ago, and in 2016, she made history again by capturing national attention. At age 89, she embarked on a 1,400-mile trek from Fort Worth to Washington, D.C., petitioning for the official recognition of Juneteenth as a national holiday. Her visionary thinking is a key catalyst behind Juneteenth’s national recognition in 2021 and the establishment of the National Juneteenth Museum.
The museum will be in the Historic Southside neighborhood on the corner of Rosedale Street and Evans Avenue in Fort Worth, Texas, and is expected to open in 2026. It will be an epicenter for preserving Juneteenth’s history and a space to foster transformative conversations. If you want to incorporate some of Dr. Lee’s revolutionary spirit into your life. She will complete her annual 2.5-mile walk at the African American Museum of Dallas to recognize the time it took for the news and enforcement of freedom to reach the enslaved people in Texas.
Registration is not limited to those nearby; you can also register virtually to participate. Juneteenth is a time to come together and uplift the voices and stories within our community. Consider looking into events near you. A transformative experience may be closer than you think. As we embrace the spirit of Juneteenth, let’s continue to honor our past, celebrate our present, and hold joy in our hearts for the bright future ahead.
