Juneteenth celebrations, block parties and more in Philadelphia, New Jersey
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, has been celebrated since 1866 and officially became a U.S. federal holiday in 2021.
Also known as the "longest-running Black American holiday," the origins of Juneteenth date back to June 19, 1865, when Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger, a U.S. Army officer and Union General during the Civil War, issued an order in Galveston, Texas, announcing that all slaves were free under the Emancipation Proclamation, according to CBS News.
Former President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation at least two years prior, said CBS News, yet about 250,000 enslaved Black people in Texas were last to know about the proclamation.
Parts of the Tri-State area have been celebrating Juneteenth in advance leading up to the holiday on Wednesday. There have been events throughout the Philadelphia region from block parties to street festivals.
Here are some events throughout the Philadelphia area to New Jersey and other parts of the Tri-State area:
3rd Juneteenth Jubilee Street Festival in Norristown
Where: At the intersection of Dekalb and Main streets
When: June 19, 2024 Time: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.
The all-ages, family fun free event, held rain or shine, by the city of Norristown includes live performances, food and drinks, and vendors. Headlining performances feature the Kulu Mele African Dance & Drum Ensemble on the Rotation Records Main Stage and an artistic living history performance by Millicent Sparks on the Centre Theater Stage.
Delaware County's 3rd Annual Juneteenth Celebration
Where: Rose Tree Park at 1671 North Providence Road in Media
When: June 19, 2024 Time: Vendors and food vendors 4 p.m. – 7 p.m., ceremony 5:30 p.m., headliner Philly Gumbo 7:30 p.m.
Delco's 3rd annual Juneteenth Celebration features live music, activities for kids and families, food, community resources and much more. The free family-friendly event, held rain or shine, features a headline performance by Philly Gumbo, a food truck and businesses selling artwork, jewelry and crafts.
Lehigh Valley Juneteenth 2024
Where: NCC Fowler's Center & Coca-Cola Park, Allentown
When: June 19, 2024 Time: 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. & 7:05 p.m. - 11 p.m.
Juneteenth Lehigh Valley is having its fourth year of festivities, which started with a 5K Walk/Run and Health Fest on June 8 and will end with a National Negro Baseball tribute with the Iron Pigs on Wednesday. The events on June 19 are the Black Literacy Cops and Kids Reading Room and the baseball tribute.
The reading room's initiative is to foster a love for reading and to strengthen the bonds between officers and children within the Black community with books that celebrate Black culture, history, achievements and more.
The baseball tribute promises a day of education, entertainment and community unity. Activities include exhibits, historical displays, storytelling sessions and ending with a breathtaking fireworks display with live music, performances, and food.
Camden's Juneteenth Celebration
Where: Roosevelt Plaza Park, 12-98 5th Street, Camden, New Jersey
When: June 19, 2024 Time: Flag Raising Ceremony at 10 a.m., Lunchtime Concert at 11 a.m. & Community Celebration at 4 p.m.
Camden Mayor Victor Carstarphen, Camden County Board of Commissioners and Camden City councilmembers are having free community events to celebrate the holiday including a flag-raising ceremony, a lunchtime concert, live music, food and family fun.
Juneteenth 2024 Programming at the National Constitution Center
Where: 525 Arch Street, Philadelphia
When: June 19, 2024 Time: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
The National Consitution Center is celebrating Juneteenth with free admission to the museum and special programming all day long highlighting people such as Frederick Douglass, Harriet Tubman, Frances Ellen Watkins Harper and many more. There is also online special programming.
Free Juneteenth Block Party at the African American Museum in Philadelphia
Where: 701 Arch Street, Philadelphia
When: June 19, 2024 Time: noon - 7 p.m.
The African American Museum in Philadelphia is having a block party and free museum day for its 4th annual Juneteenth Block Party. Hip-hop duo Kid 'n Play is headlining the block party that features a vendor village, food trucks, art-making and interactive activities. This year's theme is "Rhythms of Liberation: Celebrating Juneteenth Through Music." The free admission is timed from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Juneteenth Freedom Celebration at The Rotunda
Where: The Rotunda at 4014 Walnut Street, Philadelphia
When: June 19, 2024 Time: 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Bigga Dre presents the Juneteenth Freedom Celebration with Dr. Leonard & Rosalind Jeffries coming back to Philly. The celebrations include a fashion show, spoken word, guest speakers, cultural vendors and more. Tickets for the celebration are $19.
Juneteenth Freedom Celebration at Cobbs Creek
Where: Cobbs Creek Golf Course at 7400 Lansdowne Avenue, Philadelphia
When: June 19, 2024 Time: Noon - 2:30 p.m.
The Cobbs Creek Juneteenth Freedom Celebration is open to all ages and the event is free. The celebration includes food, games, music and activities.