Juneteenth is the oldest, nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. The holiday has also been widely observed as a celebration of Black culture. Pursuit observes Juneteenth each year as an opportunity to celebrate Black freedom and the historical and ongoing contributions of Black people to our culture.
About Juneteenth
Juneteenth (officially Juneteenth National Independence Day and also known as Jubilee Day, Emancipation Day, Freedom Day, and Black Independence Day), is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African-Americans. It is also often observed for celebrating African-American culture. Originating in Galveston, Texas, it has been celebrated annually on June 19 in various parts of the United States since 1865.
The day was recognized as a federal holiday on June 17, 2021, when President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law. Juneteenth's commemoration is on the anniversary date of the June 19, 1865, announcement of General Order No. 3 by Union Army general Gordon Granger, proclaiming freedom for enslaved people in Texas, which was the last state of the Confederacy with institutional slavery.
Events Around NYC
In keeping with the tradition of celebrating Black freedom and culture, we have compiled a list of Juneteenth events in the New York Metropolitan Area.
- For the runners: The annual Juneteenth March is a 5K Walk/Run/Roll to commemorate the emancipation of African-American slaves, via health, wellness and economic initiatives.
- 18th annual Juneteenth virtual summit, festival, and concert Weekend long events, both live and in person
2nd Annual Juneteenth Block Party “For The Culture.” Juneteenth Freedom Fest NYC is a 5-day hybrid Juneteenth celebration! You can enjoy virtual content streaming throughout the week and end the party in Harlem on Saturday, June 18th!
- Friday June 17th, Screening of Summer of Soul, Marcus Garvey Park, Harlem
- Seneca Village was a predominately African-American community that existed before New York City created Central Park and long before we celebrated Juneteenth. This year you can celebrate Juneteenth on Sunday, June 19 starting at 10a.m. with performances by world-renowned artists as they interpret the fascinating history and significance of Juneteenth and Seneca Village through dance, poetry, music, storytelling, art activities, and more! More information here.
, held in Prospect Park Sunday June 19th at the Bandshell. Sponsored by BRIC.
- From Friday, June 17 through Sunday, June 19 the Museum of the Moving Image in Queens will be showing The Princess and the Frog, a modern retelling of the classic Grimm fairy tale featuring Disney’s first Black American princess. You can also learn how to design a game that takes the player on a magical adventure into a Black utopian future or explore their Behind the Screen exhibition with a scavenger hunt, and learn more about legendary actress Lena Horne and civil rights activist Martin Luther King, Jr.
- Van Cortlandt Park Alliance and Bronx Arts Ensemble are hosting an evening celebration of Juneteenth this year. The program will begin on the back deck of the Van Cortlandt Golf House with performances including music and spoken word. Then enjoy a procession with drums to the Enslaved African Burial Ground for a libation ceremony, honoring the memory of the enslaved people. The celebration takes place on Monday, June 20 at 6pm
