We are fortunate to live in a time of expanding social and cultural awareness, with conversations regarding racial inequity of the past and present dominating the national stage. With the designation of Juneteenth as a federal holiday, conversations surrounding race continue to be had, solidifying the importance of this commemorative day.

Now, with Juneteenth National Independence Day receiving national recognition, communities throughout the country are reflecting on the meaning of the day, the contributions of Black Americans throughout the country’s history, and the injustices they continue to face.

What is Juneteenth?

Juneteenth is recognized as the oldest national celebration of the end of slavery in the U.S. It originated in Galveston, Texas on June 19, 1865, when it was officially announced that all enslaved people in Texas had been freed. The day came more than two years after the passing of the Emancipation Proclamation.

Despite the Proclamation, the Union did not have enough presence in Texas to enforce the new law, preventing thousands of enslaved people from seeing the freedom they deserved.

Today, Juneteenth is both a national commemoration and an opportunity for all of us to educate ourselves on the centuries of oppression Black Americans have faced, from the era of slavery to more recent injustices. However, Juneteenth is also a celebration.

Celebrating Juneteenth in NYC

Juneteenth is intended to be a day of celebration, of recognizing the resilience of a community and its rich culture. In this spirit, New York City is offering a vibrant roster of events hosted by cultural centers throughout the city.

Sound, Sun, Pleasure at Abrons Arts Center (June 17)

This day-long outdoor festival is hosted by the Abrons Arts Center and the Henry Street Settlement, where Juneteenth will be celebrated with live entertainment, food vendors, arts and crafts stations, and much more.

https://www.abronsartscenter.org/programs/sound-sun-pleasure

The Schomburg Center’s Fifth Annual Literary Festival (June 17)

As one of the leading cultural institutions solely dedicated to researching African American, African Diaspora, and African experiences, the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture will host a educational and fun-filled event at their branch of the New York Public Library in Harlem.

https://www.schomburgcenterlitfest.org/

Juneteenth at Seneca Village (June 17)

Taking place at the Central Park site of Seneca Village, the historic and predominantly African American community that was upended in 1857, this event honoring Juneteenth will have tours, local vendors, and live entertainment during the Central Park Conservancy’s free event.

https://www.centralparknyc.org/activities/events/celebrate-juneteenth-in-seneca-village-2023