Juneteenth (Officially Juneteenth National Independence Day) celebrates the enforcement of the Emancipation Proclamation. The Emancipation Proclamation went into effect Jan 1, 1863. However because there was no email and honestly certain folks weren’t in a rush to see it enforced, it didn’t reach Texas until 1865.
Juneteenth refers to June 19th when the final stronghold in Texas was informed that the enslaved were indeed “free” (we all know it’s more like ‘free-ish’). This led to celebrations around the country for many African Americans.
To put this into context, Frederick Douglass’s speech “What to the slave is the 4th of July” in 1852, 13 years before June 19th. Juneteenth is the new 4th of July for African Americans. So events and celebrations commemorate this starting from June 13th to the 19th. Here are some that are happening in Rochester, NY!
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Celebrate Juneteenth with performances and activities promoting and cultivating the knowledge and appreciation of Black history and culture. In partnership with the Rochester Area Community Foundation and Greater Rochester Martin […]
The Greater Rochester Martin Luther King Jr. Commission presents the annual Juneteenth Festival on June 14, 2025, at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park, 353 Court Street, Rochester, […]
Join Mayor Evans and the City of Rochester on Wednesday, June 18, from 11 AM to 2 PM to celebrate Juneteenth! Enjoy food trucks and live music outside City Hall. […]
Celebrate Juneteenth at the RMSC! Join us for a joyful day featuring live performances by local community members, our Black-Owned business bazaar, sweet treats, hands-on activities and crafts, delicious food, […]
It’s the “In Living Color Juneteenth Day Party” presented by The Beat 1055 – goin’ down Thursday, June 19, 2025 from 4 PM to 9 PM at the brand new […]
Early Show 7PM! Juneteenth June 19th, 2025 Womba Africa Drumming and Dance is a traditional Ghanaian music and dance group dedicated to preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of […]
