Spotlight on Juneteenth: The Freedom Day

Modified June 9, 2025 Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration commemorating the ending of slavery in the United States. President Biden signed it into law to honor the day as a national holiday; which many states already recognized as such. "Today Juneteenth commemorates African American freedom and emphasizes education and achievement. It is a day, a week, and in some areas a month marked with celebrations, guest speakers, picnics and family gatherings. It is a time for assessment, self-improvement and for planning the future. Its growing popularity signifies a level of maturity and dignity in America long over due. In cities across the country, people of all races, nationalities and religions are joining hands to truthfully acknowledge a period in our history that shaped and continues to influence our society today." - Juneteenth.com Have a look at some Juneteenth events taking place & Happy Juneteenth!  UTAH JUNETEENTH HERITAGE FESTIVAL Juneteenth Commemoration events will be held throughout the month of June both in person and virtually in Ogden and Salt Lake City. We will hold some of our signature programs including the Mr. & Miss Juneteenth scholarship pageant, Flag Raising Ceremony, Film & Discussion, and State of Black Utah Town Hall. Our Black Business Expo will be on June 26th. Attached, please find the announcement and application. Check our website for more details. Juneteenth Heritage Festival Lousiana The freedom day in Grambling Louisiana, known as the Juneteenth Heritage Festival brings an educational venue for enlightenment, as well as multiple events for fun, exercise, and mouth‑watering dishes. The City of Grambling partners with the Louisiana Tech Offices of Inclusion Initiatives and Multicultural Affairs, Grambling Health Community and the LSUAG Center, Primary Health Services Center, and the Louisiana Office of Wildlife and Fisheries to bring events such as Freedom Painters, Family Fun Day, Candlelight Vigil Service, and the Fishing Tournament amongst more! WEstern Pennsylvania Juneteenth & Black Music Fest This event is the annual WPA celebration of Juneteenth and Black Music Month Festival. In 2021 Pittsburgh and Allegheny county has designed Juneteenth as a City and County holiday. Includes: Juneteenth Family Cookout; Black Tie Gala; Gospel Explosion; Jubilee Parade; Martin Delany Freedom Day & Black Music Festival and more! NC Juneteenth Celebration  Great family, multi‑ethnic event. The Festival kicks off with an Opening Ceremony that includes the pouring of the libation & presentations on the origin & significance of Juneteenth. Entertainment throughout the day features local performers & national recording artists. Vendors sell merchandise, art, specialty items, crafts & delicious foods. Kid's Village has games, face painting, crafts & other fun, educational activities. Health Fair has screenings. Missouri City Juneteenth Celebration During the fall of 2002, Missouri City Councilman Don Smith, organized residents, businesspeople, and civic leaders within the City of Missouri City, Texas. As a result of their collaboration, a family-driven, five-day celebration of purpose and substance was born--the Missouri City Juneteenth Celebration Foundation. ​ From 2002 until 2022, Don Smith, now deceased, carried out his goals of bringing positive attention to citizens of Missouri City, awarding scholarships to deserving students, and celebrating June 19,1865, the day enslaved people in Texas learned of the Emancipation Proclamation and their freedom. San Jose Juneteenth Festival For over 40 years, the Juneteenth Festival in San Jose/Silicon Valley has averaged over 6,000 attendees. Entertainment has ranged from artists like Anthony Hamilton, Case, Faith Evans, Ledisi, Jon B., Reuben Studdard, and Brandy to groups like the Drifters with a wide range of local artists from Rap/Hip Hop to R&B, Gospel, and Jazz. Our wide variety of food, artwork, retailers, community services and local businesses have been a major draw for event attendees. The Festival celebrates African American heritage. Atchison Juneteenth CelebratioN Annual celebration to commemorate the date when the last slaves in America were freed in 1865. Features family activities, games, food, Atchison African-American History tours, speakers and much more. Atchison's Juneteenth is the largest FREE Juneteenth celebration in the country, open and welcoming to anyone who embraces the beauty of our diversity and the power of unity across lines of culture, race, and creed. Twentieth NC Juneteenth Celebration Great family, multi-ethnic, free event. The Festival kicks off with an Opening Ceremony that includes the pouring of libations & presentations on the origin & significance of Juneteenth. Entertainment throughout the day features local performers & national recording artists. Vendors sell merchandise, art, specialty items, crafts & delicious foods. Kid's Village has games, face painting, crafts & other fun, educational activities. The Health Fair has screenings. A fashion show featuring Afrocentric designs. Newberry Juneteenth All Are Welcome! Come Celebrate Freedom at Newberry, South Carolina's Juneteenth. Learn the history, share the stories, taste the food, hear the music, and see the talent of our community. Join Us from 10 am-4 pm in downtown Newberry. WPA Juneteenth Celebration This event is the annual WPA Juneteenth Celebration. In 2021 Pittsburgh and Allegheny County has designed Juneteenth a City and County holiday. In 2021 Congress made Juneteenth a Federal Holiday. Grambling Juneteenth Heritage Festival Join us on in Grambling, Louisiana, for a vibrant celebration of freedom and community at the Annual Juneteenth Festival. Experience the joy and unity of our community with a Gospel Show, Miss Juneteenth Pageantry, Fishing Tournament Parade, and a special Father's Day BBQ. Americus Juneteenth Festival The Annual Juneteenth Emancipation Festival will be 4 4-day celebration of African-American Freedom, Heritage, Art, and Culture. Find more Juneteenth events here!    Learn More: https://juneteenthutah.org/juneteenth-history/