The 2019 Juneteenth Parade makes its way down 52nd Street in West Philadelphia, where it was held for the first year after moving from Center City. (Brad Larrison for WHYY)
Philadelphians are preparing for a unique Juneteenth celebration — one set against the backdrop of continued public outcry over racial injustice and police brutality.
Juneteenth marks the day in 1865 when enslaved Black people in Galveston, Texas, first learned they were free. The occasion occurred more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation.
In 2019, Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf signed a law designating June 19 as “Juneteenth National Freedom Day” in the Commonwealth. Mayor Jim Kenney on Tuesday similarly established Juneteenth as a city holiday.
This year marks the 401st anniversary of the arrival in Virginia of the first ship carrying enslaved Africans.
Philadelphia is among many major cities that commemorate the abolition of slavery with parades and festivals.
The series will offer a safe space for those on the frontlines of recent protests advocating for Black lives, as well as those who have suffered repeated racial trauma.
4 years ago
Friday’s celebrations will take place amid more than three weeks of civil unrest following the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Philadelphia, like other metropolitan areas around the country, has been home to a steady stream of protests regarding racism in the U.S.
With the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, many of this week’s events will be virtual.
Here’s a breakdown of how Philly will be marking the day:
The Museum of the American Revolution’s virtual event will explore the ongoing struggle for equality for all. (Juneteenth with the Museum)
The museum will mark the 155th anniversary of Juneteenth — the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the country — and will explore the continuing struggle for equality. The event will feature the one-woman show “Freedom on the Horizon” with historical interpreter Nastassia Parker on Facebook Live, an Instagram Live Q&A with the museum’s Manager of Gallery Interpretation, and more.
World of Grandeur is showcasing a Black Lives Matter runway and performance art protest. The show will begin at the Liberty Bell and travel along a portion of the underground railroad. Before the runway show, a series of artists will perform. The march concludes at the Liberty Bell Center.
During a town hall with Rep. Chris Rabb, For Our Future Pennsylvania will discuss what steps the Pennsylvania Legislature could take to reform the criminal justice system.
The Philadelphia chapter of Black Lives Matter will celebrate Black joy, freedom and resistance with food, music, marching and dancing. Organizers describe the event as a Black-only space. Masks and physical distancing are encouraged.
Organizers of the “Next Steps Together” initiative hope to create safe spaces for thousands of Black men to share their experiences.
4 years ago
The Do More Campaign Juneteenth Festival Host: The Do More Campaign
When: Friday 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Where: 401 Reservoir Drive, Philadelphia, Pa. 19121 Facebook event
The Do More Campaign is hosting a community festival and day of action in East Fairmount, featuring a cookout and voter registration drive.
An in-depth conversation with Philadelphia influencers about why the 2020 Census is so important for the African American community. Also, a celebration of the history and resilience of Black people across the world.
This Juneteenth, the AAMP will celebrate the diaspora with artists, scholars, activists and more. (AAMP)
This Juneteenth, the AAMP will celebrate the diaspora by showcasing performances, fun activities and public dialogues for all ages that highlight current and historic African diasporic connections across the globe.
An online festival will kick off at noon Saturday on Facebook Live and Zoom, featuring dramatic presentations, a Juneteenth Q&A, panel discussions and more.
Get the WHYY app!
Stream WHYY-FM, read the top stories from WHYY News, and listen to the latest podcast from WHYY Digital Studios — anytime, anywhere.