Juneteenth is an important day as it commemorates the effective end of slavery in the United States of America. America celebrates this day nationwide a mere four months after Black History Month. From parties and rodeos to music festivals galore, it’s often celebrated with huge gatherings full of high energy and excitement.
Juneteenth is a big deal and you don’t want to miss out. We have provided a list of some of the best Juneteenth events that are happening this year. COVID-19 may have an impact on these celebrations, so keep an eye out for details.
1. The Amistad Center For Art & Culture
This year, this program will be a virtual party hosted by a DJ. Check all the social media platforms for further information on how to tune in to the Amistad Center. Located in Connecticut, this is the 30-year anniversary of Amistad’s celebration. Leslie Mayes will host the pre-event coverage which will start at 6:15 pm EST on June 19, 2021.
2. Step Afrika!
Step Afrika! will be premiering three unique art pieces: Trane, Little Rock Nine, and The Movement. These virtual celebrations are said to encompass the true determination, undying resilience, and proud reclamation of freedom with choreography created by pulling inspiration from the experience of the African Americans. Follow the link on their website to tune in on either Facebook or YouTube.
3. Juneteenth Team Building
Learning about your country’s history with your team can be a riveting experience. What if you could eat barbeque while coming to understand why it has always been a celebration food? This is your opportunity! Located in Hampton, Virginia, and Austin, Texas, you can also attend the Juneteenth Team Building event virtually.
4. Juneteenth: A Celebration of Resilience
Tuning in to A Celebration of Resistance on June 19 and June 20 is the best way to celebrate Juneteenth as a family. It’s an event filled with culinary arts, performances, celebrations, and lectures conveniently hosted online.
5. Juneteenth NY
New York is home to many celebrations in remembrance of the very first Juneteenth. Events start as early as June 18th at 9 am. You can expect a local parade and a spa for kids! Bring the whole family.
6. Montpelier
Montpelier has a website just for Juneteenth. Performers, vendors, and reenactors will all be featured on this website, so check it out! This is a great way to learn about African American history.
7. Eiteljorg Museum
The Eiteljorg Museum is hosting a fantastic virtual panel discussion on June 11. Then, on June 19, there will be a virtual celebration that you can’t miss! There is quite a list of exciting events so be sure to check it out.
8. Music Festival
Ever since the pandemic hit, we have all wanted to attend live music events. There is nothing quite like them! In Denver, there’s going to be a full-on music festival to celebrate Juneteenth. It will be broadcasted as well with main effects taking place live on the streets of Downtown Denver.
9. Virtual 5k
Have you ever wanted to participate in a 5K with a bunch of other people? This virtual 5K is a way to honor Juneteenth while helping to improve your health, honor ancestors, and foster a sense of community. Anyone can participate as it is a virtual race. Join and enjoy!
10. Philadelphia picnics
Join one of the greatest cities in America in a Juneteenth celebration. In Philadelphia, there will be a series of picnics where you can bring food and watch a presentation about this holiday. This will happen on Friday, June 18, 2021 at 5:00pm. Don’t miss out on this one!
Helping the community understand why this holiday is so important is one of their top priorities. They will also have fun activities on the actual holiday, June 19. Starting at two in the afternoon, there will be a DJ, family-family games, giveaways, and snacks, like pretzels!
Philly will also have lights up along the Longwood Gardens three nights a week from May through October. The lights are aligned with music, and the songs will be Juneteenth-oriented during the celebration.
11. SEIU Juneteenth Celebration
This event will take place on June 19, 2021, from 10 to 11 in the morning. It is open to all communities, and everyone is encouraged to join in a conversation about race.
12. Juneteenth Jubilee Freedom Weekend
Movie night? Jubilee stroll? Treasure hunt? A concert? All of these and more will be incorporated into the incredible Juneteenth Jubilee Freedom Weekend in Detroit. Unfortunately the concert has already sold out, but all of the other events are still available. They are starting their celebration on the 17th and events will run until the 20th. This is not a virtual event.
13. #WEAREJUNETEENTH
#WEAREJUNETEENTH is a national campaign with the intention of normalizing the celebration of Juneteenth and Black History Month. Coordinators are currently reaching out to 250,000+ people through their platforms. This website is fantastic for learning more about the impact and advancements the campaign is making.
14. In The Park Festival
Santa Clara County is getting ready to celebrate during their annual Juneteenth In The Park festival. For the 40th anniversary of this event, LeAndria Johnson will be the headliner. This entire festival begins on June 13th, and it will be ongoing for the entire week leading up to June 19th. Here are some of titles of each day:
- Juneteenth Kick-Off Brunch
- Make-it-Happen Monday
- Take-Action Tuesday
- Wellness Wednesday
This has got to be one of the most anticipated events this year! Don’t miss out if you are in the area.
Juneteenth is a perfect time to better your finances
Black History Month and Juneteenth are very special to MoneyLion. Together, MoneyLion and partner dfree® aim to provide approachable financial solutions to the African American community through credit building, positive banking relationships, and generational wealth by way of investing. Learn more here.
