Juneteenth celebrates the emancipation of enslaved people in Galveston, Texas—the last to learn of emancipation—on June 19, 1865, more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation at the start of 1863 amid the Civil War. In the decades since, Juneteenth has become a time to commemorate black liberation from the institution of slavery, and to highlight the resilience, solidarity, achievements and culture of the black community.
This year, most Juneteenth events celebrating the promise of freedom and equality are going virtual. Below are a few of the many occurring across the country—online and in person—in the coming days:
On Juneteenth communities across the country will proclaim that Black Lives Matter. Take to the streets or participate digitally. Find a nearby action or host your own so others can attend.
Juneteenth online music festival: Denver
Billed as the World’s First Virtual Global Freedom Festival, this event includes the sixth annual DREAM BIG Awards that highlight individuals for their community contributions. Enjoy musical performances, live podcasts, and other programming between award presentations.
Juneteenth Live Streaming Music Festival: Dallas/Fort Worth
This livestream event will highlight blues, RnB, zydeco and jazz artists on Friday, June 19, and Saturday, June 20, plus a virtual black film festival on Thursday, June 18.
Juneteenth (Virtual) Community Day Celebration: Hartford, Connecticut
This year’s online programming from the Amistad Center for Arts and Culture highlights African American traditions and culture through art, storytelling, music, and dance.
Juneteenth Week 2020: Seattle
This online community event features a week of activities including music, films and storytelling performances.
JuneteenthKC: Kansas City
While this organization provides year-round services, events on Saturday, June 20, include an online health expo.
Virtual 2020 Juneteenth Celebration: Madison, Wisconsin
Virtual events include artistic and cultural presentations, displays, and community conversations.
Juneteenth Celebrations: Boston
This year, the Museum of Fine Arts Boston’s eighth annual Juneteenth community celebration to honor the contributions of Black creatives, scholars, and artists will be streamed online via the MFA website and on Facebook and YouTube.
The Boston Juneteenth Committee and the National Center of Afro-American Artists’ 10th annual Juneteenth Emancipation Observance will air on BNN and stream online Friday, June 19.
OneRace March: Atlanta
Participants at the June 19 march will remember the historic emancipation while calling for liberty and justice for all in present times.
