Juneteenth, the federal holiday marking the end of slavery in the United States, is just around the corner. As the nation grapples with the ongoing debate about freedom and who truly gets to be a free American, various art-oriented events are set to take place to celebrate Juneteenth. These events aim to foster connection, joy, and expression, providing a source of strength and inspiration during these challenging times.
On Thursday, June 19th, several events are scheduled to commemorate Juneteenth. The Van Cortlandt House Museum in the Bronx will host a Juneteenth Celebration featuring spoken word and musical performances, a procession to the Enslaved African Burial Ground, and a libation ceremony honoring the lives of enslaved individuals. The Children’s Museum of Manhattan will offer hands-on workshops celebrating Black joy through art inspired by contemporary artists.
In Queens, Juneteenth festivities will focus on honoring the Black family reunion, with performances, live music, food vendors, and other activities planned throughout the day. At the Guggenheim Museum in Manhattan, visitors can experience a special Juneteenth Late Shift event featuring performances, poetry, and reflections in conjunction with Rashid Johnson’s exhibition.
The Brooklyn Academy of Music will host the Jamel Gaines Creative Outlet’s 30th-anniversary celebration with choreographed vignettes showcasing Black history and perseverance. Meanwhile, the Museum of the Moving Image in Queens will collaborate with the Louis Armstrong House Museum for a day of gallery scavenger hunts, performances, workshops, and a film screening.
In Brooklyn, events like Troy Anthony & The Fire Ensemble at Domino Park and REPARATIONS! A Juneteenth Celebration of Black Improv at Caveat NYC will offer unique artistic experiences and entertainment. Saturday, June 21st, will see the Brooklyn Museum hosting a Juneteenth Jubilee with guided tours, live music, a book swap, and other engaging activities.
“We Outside! A Brooklyn Juneteenth Vol. III” at The Plaza in Fort Greene will feature performances, a marketplace, workshops, and food trucks, highlighting Black culture and creativity. Additionally, the Tenement Museum’s “A Union of Hope: 1869” tour offers a glimpse into the lives of a free Black couple in 19th-century New York City.
As Juneteenth approaches, these events provide opportunities for reflection, celebration, and unity, inviting individuals to come together and honor the legacy of freedom and resilience. Let us join in these festivities and embrace the spirit of Juneteenth with art, culture, and community.
