Several events are being held around South Florida to celebrate Juneteenth, an annual celebration that commemorates the ending of slavery in the United States.
June 19th, also known as Juneteenth, Black Independence Day or African American Emancipation Day, has its origins in Galveston, Texas, when enslaved African Americans were informed that the Civil War had ended.
The announcement, delivered by Union General Gordon Granger on June 15th, 1865, secured the freedom of enslaved Black Americans. It came about two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued by President Abraham Lincoln.
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The History of Juneteenth
What is Juneteenth and why is it celebrated?
Today, Juneteenth is marked by celebrations, picnics, family gatherings and other community events that honor the contributions of Black Americans and celebrate the ending of slavery.
Here are some events going on in South Florida in honor of Juneteenth.
Saturday, June 19th
Juneteenth Liberation Celebration
Time: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: City of North Miami Beach Hall, 17011 NE 19th Ave, North Miami Beach, FL 33162
The day-long event, moderated by NBC 6's Jawan Strader, kicks off with a community conversation and ends with a "Liberation Celebration Social," featuring commemorative gifts, activities and food. Click here to RSVP for the free event.
Celebrating Juneteenth: Say Hello to Freedom’s Hand
Time: 2 p.m.
Location: Virtual. Click here to register.
This virtual Juneteenth celebration is hosted by the Broward County Main Library. The story of Juneteenth will be told through folk narratives, and music "that transcends from how individuals utilized various means to escape to freedom to leading up to when Union, Major General Granger delivered the iconic words in Galveston, Texas-along with some 2,000 Union troops-that liberated the enslaved in the area and the U.S."
Black Art Brunch: Juneteenth Celebration
Time: 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Location: C&I Studios, 541 Northwest 1st Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
The event will feature an afternoon of music, artwork by local Black artists, live performances, and raffle prizes. Tickets are $25 and all proceeds will go toward Noir Infusion Arts Projects exhibitions, events, and culture-based education programs. Click here for more information on purchasing tickets.
Outdoor Drive-Up Movie Night
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: Willie L. Webb, Sr. Park, 3601 Northwest 21st Street, Lauderdale Lakes, FL 33311
Lauderdale Lakes will be hosting a free drive-in movie night in honor of Juneteenth. Queen of Katwe will be broadcast on the soccer field at Willie Webb park to ensure social distancing. Tickets are free, but reservations are required. Click here to RSVP.
Looking Forward, Looking Back: Freedom, Afrofuturism, and Reflections on Juneteenth
Time: 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Location: NSU Art Museum. Event is virtual; RSVP required. Click here for more information.
The virtual panel discussion will feature Ransford F. Edwards, Jr., Ph.D., Kandy G. Lopez-Moreno, M.F.A. and Rachel Panton, Ph.D., faculty members of Nova Southeastern University. The panel "will look back at the historical context of emancipation, as well as the ongoing tension between the rhetoric of recovery and an imagined and unenslaveable Black future in art, literature, and pop culture."
South Broward Juneteenth Festival: Highlighting a Forgotten Holiday
Time: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Location: Washington Park Community Center (5199 Pembroke Road, Hollywood, Florida, 33021)
More than 500 people are expected to gather at Washington Park Community Center Saturday for a Juneteenth celebration. The family and community event is free and open to the public.
“The mission of the South Broward Juneteenth Celebration Committee is too actively preserve and promote the broad spectrum of African American heritage through educational and cultural activities that benefits the City of Hollywood and surrounding South Broward, Dade and Monroe County communities,” organizers said in a press release.
This event will kick off with a performance by Junkanoo dancers and stilt walkers. Following the presentation, there will be gospel performances, artists, motivational speakers and a bounce house for the children, according to the press release.
Juneteenth Park-In & Party
Time: 4 pm.
Location: Calder Casino (Parking Lot E) 21001 NW 27th Ave. Miami Gardens, Fla. 33056
The drive-in event will feature food trucks, music, and a performance highlighting the evolution of slavery to freedom in the United States. Gates open at 4 p.m., but the show starts at 5 p.m. No more than five people per vehicle and COVID-19 guidelines will be strictly enforced. Click here for more information.
Juneteenth Day of Freedom
Time: 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Location: Pride Park, 1809 Meridian Avenue, Miami Beach
Several dance performances will be held at the ceremony which will take place at the Rainbow Eucalyptus tree, which was planted by the City of Miami Beach last year to remember the emancipation of those enslaved in the United States. A permanent plaque will be installed at the ceremony to honor the contributions of Black Americans.
Juneteenth Food Festival with the Hungry Black Man and Miami Beach Parks & Recreation
Time: 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Location: Sandbowl adjacent to North Beach Bandshell, 7275 Collins Ave. Miami Beach
Anyone craving a bite to eat can sample an assortment of Black and vegan soul food in addition to Afro-Caribbean favorites. An interactive play village will be available to children, as well as music and dancing. Admission is free -- food and beverages are an additional cost.
The Juneteenth Experience at the Bandshell
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: North Beach Bandshell, 7275 Collins Ave. Miami Beach
A spoken word and dance event directed by Michelle Grant-Murray and under the musical direction of Wilkie Fergison, III.
Ten artists will tell the story of Juneteenth during this celebratory performance. To RSVP for tickets, click here.
Jazz In The Lobby at The Betsy
Time: 6 to 11 p.m.
Location: The Betsy Hotel, 1440 Ocean Dr. Miami Beach
The event will feature pianist Allen Paul and vocalists Carole Ann Taylor, Leesa Richards, Brenda Alford and Nicole Yarling.
Poetry & Music at The Betsy
Time: 9 to 9:30 p.m.
Location: The Betsy Hotel, 1440 Ocean Dr. Miami Beach
The event will feature poetry and spoken word with Rebecca “Butterfly Vaughs, Geoffrey Philip and saxophonist Gregory LeDon.
Click here for more events celebrating Juneteenth in South Florida.
