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When my son was in elementary school, two mom friends and I became aligned in our desire to teach our boys about important dates in Black history.
Juneteenth was one of them.
As people hit beaches and backyards for barbecues to celebrate America’s Independence Day, we made it our mission to teach the children in our circle about June 19, 1865. It was the day 2,000 Union Army troops arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas, with the news that the more than 250,000 enslaved Black people in the state were free by executive decree, more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation.
Known as Juneteenth, Freedom Day, and in some regions “Our Independence Day”, we would gather several families together as the kids read their presentations about the holiday’s significance and learned about people like teacher and activist, Opal Lee, often referred to as the “grandmother of Juneteenth” who fought to have the day federally recognized. Some parents confessed that it was a learning experience for them, too, as they had never been taught about Juneteenth in school. It’s a travesty we are still dealing with today.
In 2021, President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act, making June 19th a legal public holiday.
The Trump Administration is now working overtime to undo much of that progress with attacks on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Several states are attempting to make it more difficult for students to learn about the origins of race and racism in this country by passing anti-Critical Race Theory (CRT) laws designed to prevent white students from feeling guilty about the ugly parts of American history. In some cases, lawmakers have banned books about the contributions of the enslaved, and prohibited the teaching of high school Advanced Placement African American Studies courses. And within his first weeks in office, Donald Trump signed an executive order to begin the process of dismantling the Department of Education.
They can try all they want to erase our history. It won’t work.
Black communities nationwide will continue to teach the truth as we gather for Juneteenth cookouts, picnics, rodeos, street fairs, family reunions, Miss Juneteenth pageants, blues festivals, historical reenactments, quiet remembrances, and support Black causes and local Black-owned businesses. We will have buffets that include okra and collard greens that originated in Africa, and red-hued foods like watermelon, strawberries, hibiscus tea, strawberry soda, and red velvet cake, which is traditional during Juneteenth celebrations and represents resilience, joy, and the blood that was shed.
My son is now 18 and headed to a Historically Black College where he will continue to learn about our rich culture. It fills my husband and me with pride to see his growth, knowledge of self, and understanding of the struggles and sacrifices our ancestors endured in America so that he can enjoy the life he has today. This year, we will celebrate Juneteenth during Father’s Day (June 15th) weekend, over food, music, and laughs, and pray for those who have gone on before us.
If you would like to host your own Juneteenth celebration, here are some ways to make it memorable.
The Menu: Traditional summer fare like barbecue, deviled eggs, potato salad, and baked beans, as well as red-hued foods like strawberries, watermelon, and red velvet cake. Tea cakes are also synonymous with Juneteenth.
The Décor: To make the party festive, consider using banners, tablecloths, flowers, and balloons in traditional Juneteenth colors of red, green, and black. Etsy and Amazon feature a variety of Juneteenth supplies.
The Activities: Play Juneteenth-themed trivia games like Kahoot, organize a fun fan dance session, a Juneteenth history discussion, or a quiet moment of remembrance is nice. So is supporting a social justice organization or a local Black-owned business.
Juneteenth Celebrations Around the Nation
Dallas, Texas
Juneteenth Celebration at the African American Museum of Dallas
Saturday, June 21, 2025 | 11am – 4pm
Bring the whole family and spend the day exploring rich history, powerful exhibits, and special programming designed for all ages. From storytelling and live performances to hands-on activities, it’s a day of culture, community, and commemoration you won’t want to miss. Admission is free – join us as we honor freedom and heritage together!
Opal’s Walk For Freedom
Thursday, June 19, 2025
If you are health-conscious, put on your walking shoes and join along for a meaningful community walk. You and your family will have the honor of walking 2.5 miles alongside the esteemed “Grandmother of Juneteenth,” Opal Lee. A retired teacher and counselor, Opal Lee is a 2022 Nobel Peace Prize nominee and a dedicated activist who played a pivotal role in making Juneteenth a federally recognized holiday. She began the fight in 2016 at the age of 89. You don’t want to miss this unique opportunity to walk with a living legend and advocate for freedom.
https://opalswalkdallastx.raceroster.com
New York
Harlem Grown’s Juneteenth Celebration
Saturday, June 21, 2025 10am – 3pm
Harlem Grown’s Juneteenth Celebration is a farm party to honor Blackness and its cultural roots in Harlem. Come celebrate Juneteenth for family-friendly activities. This event will commemorate this day while we educate, empower, and elevate our community. Join us as we celebrate this important holiday, share recipes, and highlight Black and brown businesses and organizations in Harlem
https://www.harlemgrown.org/juneteenth-celebration
Atlanta, Georgia
Juneteenth Atlanta Parade & Music Festival
June 14-15, 2025
The 13th Annual Juneteenth Atlanta Parade and Music Festival is a high-spirited celebration of freedom, unity, and equality that offers two entertainment stages and is known for filling the atmosphere and the streets of Atlanta with the soulful sounds of live music, vendors and good food.
Los Angeles, California
Juneteenth Week of Events
If you are looking for neighborhood festivals, movie screenings, a Juneteenth Freedom Day bike ride, an art exhibit, and more, there is a lot to do in Southern California. All events take place on Thursday, June 19, unless otherwise noted.
https://www.discoverlosangeles.com/things-to-do/celebrate-juneteenth-in-los-angeles
Long Beach Juneteenth Celebration
Waterfront at Rainbow Lagoon Park
400 E. Shoreline Drive, Long Beach, California
June 14, 2025
It is a full day of performances, activities, art, dancing and special activations that commemorate the end of slavery in the United States while honoring and celebrating Black history and culture.
https://www.visitlongbeach.com/events/annual-events/juneteenth
Apex, North Carolina
The 5th Annual Juneteenth in The Peak Festival
June 21, 2025 – 12:00pm – 7:00pm
A day of fun with food trucks, free haircuts, performances, and more. You can also meet authors Ana Latese and Andrea Underwood Petifer, who will be signing copies of their children’s book, The Juneteenth Alphabet.
https://www.apexjuneteenth.com
Chicago, Illinois
The 6th Annual Beverly/Morgan Park Juneteenth Family Festival
June 14th, 2025
110th & Longwood | Chicago IL
Noon – 7pm
https://www.choosechicago.com/blog/special-events/celebrate-juneteenth-in-chicago
Online Juneteenth Celebrations
If you aren’t near a major city, you can still learn about and participate in Juneteenth events online!
Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History & Culture has a comprehensive Juneteenth page with history, a reading list, digital toolkit, and more.
Eventbrite has a list of virtual Juneteenth events, including a yoga experience, mental health sessions, musical celebrations — and that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
With so many ways to learn about and celebrate Juneteenth, whether you’re at home or out and about in your community, there’s no reason not to take advantage of all the opportunities to recognize and observe this vibrant celebration of Black culture, resilience, and joy.
Before you go, learn how your favorite celebrities celebrate Juneteenth.
