Historically, Juneteenth is the day that the final enslaved people in Texas were freed, years after the Emancipation Proclamation passed. In addition to Juneteenth’s historical origins, this day is not just about education, but also for celebrating Black culture. Here are a few events happening around the globe, including many you can participate in from home or while social distancing.
Whether you’re eager to take advantage of the country’s re-opening or still quarantining at home, these destinations have ample experiences to indulge in a little commemoration. We’ve rounded up a few events below:
Tour the National Museum of Bermuda’s Hall of History
Thurs., Jun 18
If you’re interested in looking through an international lens at connections that bind black people across the African diaspora, Bermuda is an excellent place to start. From its colonization by the British to modern day, a similar story of Black experience that parallels the American story unfolded on the remote island. The National Museum of Bermuda is home to a Hall of History which vividly depicts the entire history of Bermuda across a 1000-foot mural that is now available to view online via a 360 degree virtual tour.
Fri., Jun. 19
7 p.m. ET
For more than 15 years, Rock Hill, SC has been commemorating Juneteenth with a festival highlighting the best local talent the state has to offer. Rather than let COVID-19 ruin the festivities, they’ve taken the event online with a great line-up of poetry, dance and more including their Poet Laureate Angelo Jeter.
Fri., Jun. 19
11 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET
Baltimore’s Dovecote Café is a cultural hub in the predominantly Black neighborhood, Reservoir Hill. The Black-owned business centers its community in everything from black art to music to a variety of events including their beloved Juneteenth Festival. Due to COVID-19 the café has been temporarily closed so Aisha and Cole decided to take one aspect of the festival, the Art Bazaar, virtual! On June 20th, they’ll be featuring art from black artists on their Instagram page for viewers to purchase. They’ll also be releasing a “freedom” playlist featuring a variety of black artists, and their favorite cookout recipes perfect for any Juneteenth celebration.
Juneteenth With the Story Pirates
Fri., Jun. 19, 2020
4 p.m. PT
Celebrate with the Story Pirates with a very special Juneteenth edition of the Story Creation Zone, the live virtual improv show, featuring the first-ever all-Black company member show, moderated by veteran Story Pirate Khalia! The Story Creation Zone is interactive, which means kid viewers can suggest ideas and then see them brought to life on the spot by the Story Pirates in a hilarious, musical show.
Friday Nights at OMCA: Juneteenth Program
Fri., Jun. 19, 2020
5 p.m. to 7 p.m. PT
In commemoration of Juneteenth 2020, OMCA will bring together a cross section of Oakland artists, educators, and activists to honor efforts made in the ongoing struggle for the liberation of Black people everywhere. Featuring: DJ Nina Sol, Amir Abdul-Shakur, Johwell St-Cilien, Fresh “Lev” White, Samara Atkins, Shane Evans, and Kev Choice.
The event will air on OMCA’s YouTube channel.
Juneteenth: a Celebration of Resilience
Fri., Jun. 19, 2020
Juneteenth is a time to celebrate, to gather as a family, to reflect on the past and look to the future. We invite you to engage in your history, learn where you came from, and discover (or share) ways to celebrate this holiday. On this day we are bringing the African American History and Culture Museum to you through presentations, stories, photographs, and recipes from the Sweet Home Café.
Juneteenth and Barbecue Virtual Tour
Sat., Jun. 20, 2020
7 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. ET
For only $10 per screen, learn about the history of Juneteenth, Emancipation Day, and stories of what Atlanta and other important African American communities were like post-Emancipation in our LIVE Juneteenth Virtual Tour. This is an approachable and engaging way to learn about some of America’s most forgotten history, including why barbecue is and always has been a celebration food. Tours are appropriate for children age 10+.
Our optional ATL Treat Box is a bit larger than usual because we are featuring two amazing treats from local African-American entrepreneurs. For $19.99, you’ll get the original AubSauce (a line of small batch, artisanal barbecue sauce), two Miss D’s Pralines, a strawberry lemonade recipe, ideas for different ways to use your barbecue sauce, a crossword activity to be completed during the virtual tour, and a watercolor postcard of the King Memorial. And, as always, all of our ATL Treat Boxes include free shipping in the continental United States.
—Jennifer Swartvagher
Featured photo: Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels
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