Juneteenth isn’t just a newly-minted National Holiday(!): for Black folks across America, it’s a piece of living history. June 19th marks the day that enslaved Texans gained freedom back in 1865, and since the legacy of slavery is still quite present in modern-day America, it’s up to every American to get educated when it comes to Juneteenth, as well as everything that led up to it. Legendary novelist and Invisible Man writer Ralph Ellison spent nearly 40 years writing an entire (sadly unfinished, but still brilliant) work about Juneteenth that remains one of the classics of American literature. And today, with cities reopening all across the country, there’s never been a better time than to make like Ellison and celebrate the holiday as it should be celebrated: as a joyful, almost holy experience. 

If you’re looking to celebrate Juneteenth from home or are feeling like you’re ready for some Block Party action, here are some excellent events to check out: 

New York:

Block Party!

Juneteenth in the Park has music, demonstrations, and exhibitions all day. 

Celebrate Black and Indigenous history on the LES

Head to Harlem and support Black-owned businesses

Join a Solidarity March

See Black stories onscreen in Tribeca

And don’t forget to party!

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by It’s a Strategy ✊🏾 (@strategyforblacklives)

Los Angeles and SoCal:

#BLKFREEDOM’s Virtual Juneteenth Program can be found here. 

The Black Arts Los Angeles is also hosting a virtual day of events.

You can hang in person at Leimert Park.

And you can chill at Sip & Sonder:

And you can read up on the history of Juneteenth here:

The category is…Black joy!

Chicago: 

Attend the Thank You, Chicago Juneteenth Market

March in Ellis Park:

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by STREETS CALLING (@streets.calling.bc)

Enjoy a brew (cold OR alcoholic!) and celebrate the neighborhood at South Shore Brew

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by South Shore Brew Coffee Shop (@southshorebrewchicago)

Head to Garfield Park for the 1865 Fest

Or to Huntington Park for My Block, My Hood, My City’s Juneteenth celebrations

Cleveland:

Texas:

New Jersey:

Pittsburgh:

Music, food, and artistry can be found at the WPA Juneteenth Festival and Parade

Kansas City:

Head to the Juke House for Emancipation 

West Virginia:

Wherever You Are!

Catch a screening of Daughters of the Dust, a classic of Black cinema.

Participate in a voting event

Enjoy this pre-Juneteenth panel

And don’t forget to check out The National Museum of African-American History and Culture’s huge virtual slate.

Help make sure LGBTQ+ stories are being told...

We can't rely on mainstream media to tell our stories. That's why we don't lock our articles behind a paywall. Will you support our mission with a contribution today?

Once Monthly Annually

Cancel anytime · Proudly LGBTQ+ owned and operated