Juneteenth has evolved from a niche holiday within the Black-American community to commemorate the emancipation of all enslaved Black Americans to a federal holiday. Although increased awareness of the day has also increased commercialism surrounding it, we see the 19th of June as an opportunity to create new traditions, connect with our community, embrace our culture, and celebrate our artists. It should be a day filled with joy and reflection. Here are 10 ways to commemorate Juneteenth this year.
1. Educate yourself as well as those around you. There are many museums focused on African-American history and culture around the country, and many have special exhibits for Juneteenth. Pay homage to our ancestors by learning about all they have done for us. Here is a list of museums around the country:
- The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History & Culture, Washington, D.C.
- Houston Museum of African American Culture, Houston, Texas
- African American Museum in Philadelphia , Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Kimbell Art Museum, Fort Worth, Texas
- The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, MA
- America’s Black Holocaust Museum, Milwaukee, WI
- Amistad Research Center, New Orleans, LA
- August Wilson African American Cultural Center, Pittsburgh, PA
- California African American Museum, Los Angeles, CA
- Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, Detroit, MI
- Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park, Hilton Head Island, SC
- The National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel, Memphis, TN
- The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, Cincinnati, OH
- Northwest African American Museum, Seattle, WA
2. Engage with the arts by attending a local production. We have made huge contributions to the world of performing arts. Therefore, a great way to celebrate would be to watch their our on the big stage. Here are some of the arts events happening around the country:
- Alvin Ailey at Brooklyn Academy of Music Brooklyn, NY
- Artsxchange Juneteenth Festival at NJPAC Newark, NJ
- The Black Art Family Reunion: Juneteenth Celebration at Black Art in America Gallery and Gardens, East Point, GA
- June Friday Jazz at the High Museum of Art in Atlanta, GA
- Juneteenth Arts and Cultural Festival at the Creative Suitland Arts Center, Suitland-Silver Hill, MD
- The Lloyd Prince Musical, Studebaker Theater, Chicago, IL
- Voices of Hope: A Celebration of Black Excellence, The Mann Center, Philadelphia, PA
- African Marketplace and Drum Circle, Leimert Park, Los Angeles, CA
- Social Movement Contemporary Dance Theater, Midtown Arts and Theater Center, Houston, TX
3. Indulge in some good food by visiting a Black-owned restaurant. Sharing food is a very intimate connection between the giver and recipient. What better way to support the our community and get some nourishment! Here are some Black-owned restaurants around the country:
- Aunts et Uncles Brooklyn, New York
- Kokomoko Brooklyn, New York
- Melba’s Restaurant Harlem, New York
- 48th Street Grille Philadelphia, PA
- Amina Philadelphia, PA
- Cane Washington, DC
- Florida Avenue Grill Washington, DC
- Norman’s Bistro Chicago, IL
- Batter and Berries Chicago, IL
- Provost Washington, DC
- Toast on Lenox Atlanta, GA
- Slutty Vegan Atlanta, GA
- Roc Southern Cuisine Atlanta, GA
- Red Rooster Overtown Miami, FL
- La Traila Barbecue Miami Lakes, FL
- Lemond Kitchen Houston, TX
- Off the Bone BBQ Dallas, TX
- The Memphis Grill North Hollywood, CA
- Simply Wholesome Windsor Hills, CA
4. Shop your favorite Black-owned fashion brands from the comfort of your home. Calling all fashion lovers, celebrate Juneteenth by shopping Black-owned brands online. Here are some of our favorites:
- Hanifa
- Brandon Blackwood
- Telfar
- Harbison Studio
- Marissa Wilson
- Kimberly Goldson
- Feben
- Yitty
- Riot Swim
- Diotima
- Who Decides War
- Wales Boner
- Vontelle
5. Listen to podcasts focused on the culture from wherever you are in the world. Podcasts are a great source of both entertainment and learning. Celebrate Juneteenth by hearing out these internet hosts:
- Angela Yee’s Lip Service
- Million Dollaz Worth of Game
- Reasonably Shady
- Codependents
- Therapy for Black Girls
- The Stoop
- Code Switch
- The Pivot
- Earn Your Leisure
- Still Processing
- All the Smoke
- Scam Goddess
6. Dance, eat, and drink at your city’s local Juneteenth celebration. These outdoor events are a great way to network and connect with your community. Here are some Juneteenth celebrations happening across the country:
7. Donate to or volunteer at a non-profit or other community initiative. Many Black people are struggling throughout the country and need our support. Use Juneteenth as your spark to continuing to support the community. Find Black-run nonprofits around the country here.
8. Raise awareness for the day of commemoration. Though Juneteenth is becoming more popular, many people still need to learn what it is. Placing a flag outside your home in conjunction with the holiday is a great way to recognize the day and entice people to do their research. Or allow you to educate friends and family.
9. Read some of your favorite Black literaries. If you are interested in spending Juneteenth more low-key, simply reading the work of a Black poet or author is a great way to honor our ancestors. Here is a list from Amazon of new books from Black authors.
10. Share your fun. If you use social media, you should share how you celebrate the holiday on your platform as a way of inspiring others to get involved, celebrate, and educate people about Juneteenth.
Juneteenth was first celebrated on June 19th, 1865. It is the day Black enslaved people in Texas learned they were free two years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. Though it has not been formally recognized as a holiday for most of the years since, President Joe Biden made it a federal holiday in 2021. But this is progress, and we should keep celebrating progress and paying homage to our ancestors.
