{"id":31898,"date":"2021-05-28T13:35:40","date_gmt":"2021-05-28T13:35:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.expedia.com\/stories\/?p=31898"},"modified":"2021-10-28T17:33:47","modified_gmt":"2021-10-28T17:33:47","slug":"juneteenth-events-2021","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.expedia.com\/stories\/juneteenth-events-2021\/","title":{"rendered":"9 destinations celebrating Juneteenth in-person and virtually this year"},"content":{"rendered":"

On June 19, 1865, Major General Gordon Granger and his Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas. It was then, the troops informed everyone that all enslaved were now free. A full two-and-half years after President Lincoln read the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863. Now, this date, known as the day that all were considered \u201cfree\u201d, is celebrated as Juneteenth<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The first celebration of Juneteenth occurred in 1866, and celebrations continue now more than 150 years later. Calls for Juneteenth to be an official federal holiday have only grown stronger amid an international reckoning around civil rights and racism. However, we don\u2019t need it to be \u201cofficial\u201d in order to celebrate it anyway.<\/p>\n

To honor the holiday, we\u2019ve rounded up both in-person and virtual celebrations to cultivate a greater appreciation of Black history<\/a>\u2014and to remind us that #BlackLivesMatter this day and every day.<\/p>\n

Los Angeles, CA: Juneteenth Joy Virtual Celebration<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

On Saturday, June 19, the Los Angeles Public Library will host its \u201cJuneteenth Joy Virtual Celebration\u201d, which includes a performance by\u00a0DJ\u00a0pastelShade. The library asks all to come \u201cshare the connection we have through song in this communal music experience.\u201d They add that\u00a0\u201cThis event will invite movement through dancing, ancestor remembrance through ritual, and an opportunity to collectively celebrate our liberation and resilience.\u201d\u00a0<\/span>See all\u00a0the\u00a0info here<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

New York City, NY: Juneteenth NYC<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

From June 18 through June 20, New York City will host the Juneteenth NY Festival.\u00a0The three days are packed with events, but\u00a0perhaps most\u00a0importantly, is POMP. \u201cIt\u2019s our play on Sir Edward Elgar\u2019s classic tune of Pomp and Circumstance that when heard often signifies graduation or a regal entrance musical ensemble designed for royalty,\u201d the event listing explains. \u201cOur Juneteenth Pomp is a family-based experience that leads youth 14-19 years old into a cascade of learning through leadership training. We welcome you to design and present their interpretation of success in entrepreneurship to\u00a0fruition.\u201d\u00a0<\/span>See more about the festival here<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Birmingham, AL: Birmingham Civil Rights Institute\u2019s Juneteenth Celebration<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

The Institute\u2019s celebration is back in person this year and includes a day-long festival to honor the date. The community is also invited to visit the galleries at BCRI for free from\u00a010am\u00a0to 4pm.\u00a0Those interested can snag their timed\u00a0tickets,\u00a0but the center encourages all to still socially distance and wear\u00a0a\u00a0mask.\u00a0<\/span>Grab tickets here<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Milwaukee, WI: Juneteenth Parade<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

After taking 2020 off from in-person events, Milwaukee\u2019s Juneteenth parade is back. According to Milwaukee Magazine, the parade will begin at 9:30am at 14th and Atkinson and end at Dr.\u00a0Martin Luther King Jr. Drive at 4:30pm. There will also be a contest\u00a0hosted by the Northcott Neighborhood House, Inc. and Jammin\u2019 98.3 to declare a Miss Juneteenth 2021 and Little Miss Juneteenth 2021.\u00a0See\u00a0more\u00a0<\/span>information about the parade here<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Flint, MI: Juneteenth Festival and Parade<\/span><\/b><\/h3>\n

Flint\u2019s 2021 Juneteenth celebration will be its largest yet. From June 18 to June 20, the city will host an array of events, from a vendor expo to a gospel festival and a parade down Saginaw Street ending at Berston Field House. Don\u2019t miss Black Wall Street on June 18, featuring \u201cFlint\u2019s strong entrepreneurial spirit and black-owned businesses\u201d from 3:00pm to 6:00pm. <\/span>See all\u00a0event listings here<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Denver, CO: Juneteenth Music Festival <\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

The Juneteenth Music Festival is back in person in Denver for 2021. However, if you\u00a0can\u2019t\u00a0make it there in time,\u00a0fear not, the festival is also going virtual. JMF Corporation and Denver Community Media will also host a\u00a0six-hour live broadcast on June 18,\u00a0starting at 2:00pm local time. All you need\u00a0to do is log on to your phone or smart TV to view performances,\u00a0panels, and\u00a0their\u00a02021 Dream Big Awards.\u00a0See\u00a0<\/span>more information here<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Atlanta, GA: The Center for Civil and Human Rights Jubilee<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

On June 18, the Center will host a virtual program to celebrate Juneteenth through \u201cmusic, history, and culture.\u201d The program will help explore the history of Juneteenth\u00a0and\u00a0\u201cthe way it is revered across our nation, and the new traditions being found for this joyous occasion.\u201d Guests are invited to log on to enjoy music\u00a0\u201cinspired by this history, hear from a speaker about Juneteenth\u2019s continued legacy, and find a new piece of your tradition.\u201d\u00a0<\/span>Register for the event here<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Cincinnati, OH: National Underground Railroad Freedom Center\u2019s Lift Every Voice and Sing Event<\/span><\/b><\/h3>\n

On June 15, the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center is set to join nine museums and historical institutions to commemorate Juneteenth through BlkFreedom.org. On this day, the organization will showcase the documentary surrounding \u201cthe national exploration of the deep-rooted anthem \u201cLife Every Voice and Sing\u201d through the eyes of historic museums and anthropologists from across the United States.\u201d The film premieres at 12:00pm EST. See more on\u00a0<\/span>BlkFreedom.org<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hilton Head Island, SC: Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park\u2019s Juneteenth Celebration<\/span><\/b><\/h3>\n

From June 17 to June 20, the Mitchelville Freedom Park is honoring Juneteenth with both in-person and virtual events. On June 17, join the live stream event to watch \u201cJoe McGill explore the life and living habits of the people of Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park.\u201d For those in the area, the park is also hosting a live concert with The Hamiltones on June 19.\u00a0<\/span>See all events here<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Other notable destinations to visit<\/h2>\n

As travel restrictions start to ease, consider visiting these important institutions\u2014from museums to historical sites to powerful monuments. (Always make sure to check each site\u2019s up-to-date details on opening times and visiting guidelines before planning your trip.)<\/p>\n

Montgomery, AL<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n