Linda McGee, chair of the Juneteenth Committee in Daytona Beach, poses with the 2024 Lil Mr. Juneteenth and Little Miss Juneteenth along with the 2023 Little Miss Juneteenth.
Juneteenth National Independence Day is now a federal holiday commemorating the final emancipation of African Americans in the United States. The official announcement of the end of slavery came on June 19, 1865, in Galveston, Texas.
Across the country and here in Florida, communities observe this day with concerts, festivals, expos and reflective ceremonies, among other events.
Here are some of those happenings in Central, South and North Florida that you may like to attend this month.
Daytona Beach
Juneteenth Community & Family Festival – Saturday, June 14, Cypress Park, 981 West George Engram Blvd., 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The free festival will include Junkanoo dancers, live music, line dancing, event for kids, and even a pound cake competition. More info: www.juneteenthdaytona.com
Juneteenth Hometown Heroes Banquet – June 19, 7 p.m., Mori Hosseini Student Union at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, www.juneteenthdaytona.com
Orlando / Central Florida
10th Annual Juneteenth Celebration – June 14, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Ward Chapel AME Church (160 S. Pennsylvania Ave., Winter Park), co-hosted by the Hannibal Square Heritage Center (free event)
5th Annual Facets of Freedom Festival – June 19 at Loch Haven Park, featuring a children’s “Lunch & Learn,” art stations, and giveaways.
Downtown Orlando Festival – June 15, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. at Camping World Stadium with live music, vendors, and cultural activities www.downtownorlando.com
Maryann Artist Payne, center, dances with her son Shiloh Benjamin, during a Juneteenth parade celebration at Miami Children s Museum on June 19, 2024, in Miami.
Jacksonville
4th Annual Juneteenth Celebration – June 19, 10:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. on the Downtown Square, Jacksonville. (NAACP sponsored) This event will feature history, scholarship awards, games, and vendor booths.
Juneteenth Celebration 365 – June 14, 3-9 p.m. 822 A. Philip Randolph Blvd., Jacksonville (near Melanin Market). Event hosted by comedian Rob Ward and a feature performance by The Katz Downstairs.
St. John’s Cathedral Service – June 14, 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. 256 E. Church St., Jacksonville. A celebration of freedom, featuring music, community, reflection and gospel choir performances. Musical performance: Jacksonville Gospel Chorale, directed by Cedric Williams with accompanist Henry L.Parker. Keynote speaker: Dr. Tammy Hodo, Jacksonville educator, TEDx speaker, and founder of “All Things Diverse.’’ Dr. Hodo will share insights into racial identity and jus- tice. Following the program, there will be a reception hosted by the Union of Black Episcopalians, Father Sidney B. Parker Chapter.
Meet Alton and Gwen Yates, who will sign copies of their newly released memoir: “Living the Legacy: The Story of Alton and Gwen Yates,’’ an account of their lifelong commitment to civil rights and service in Jacksonville.
Fort Lauderdale
Citywide Juneteenth Celebration – June 14, noon- 4 p.m. at Carter Park by Parks & Rec (1450 W. Sunrise Blvd., Fort Lauderdale), 954-828-5411. A celebration of freedom, unity and culture.
Juneteenth Party @ Blue Martini – June 18, 8-11:30 p.m. 2432 East Sunrise Blvd., Fort Lauderdale. There will be an evening of dancing, music, and good vibes – an adult cocktail lounge event.
Miami
Juneteenth Family Day – June 19, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. City Hall Plaza, 2300 Civic Center Place. Hosted by Vice Mayor Yvette Colbourne. Guest speaker: Dr. Eddie Glaude Jr., best-selling author and Princeton University professor. This is a family-friendly event with interactive activities for the children and a free book per family.
Wave Over Everything Festival – June 18-20 in North Miami’s Griffing Park – culture, music, food, and community vibe
Uhuru (A Cultural Awakening): Juneteenth Experience of Freedom & Liberation –June 19 at Barry University (11300 NE 2nd Ave., Miami Shores. Parking is available in the Landon South Lot (N. Mi- ami Avenue between NE 115th St. and NE 111th St.) for $2 per hour or $10 daily. There will be drumline, step shows, art, and historical reflection.
West Palm Beach
Juneteenth Community Day – June 14, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. at Norton Museum.
There will be family-centered performances, gallery talks & art activities.
5th Annual Juneteenth Unity & Black Excellence Festival – June 22, 5-10 p.m. Meyer Amphitheater, The Coco Market 104 Datura Street, West Palm Beach. Vendors, music, food & cultural celebration
St. Petersburg
Jazzy Juneteenth Jubilee – June 15, 5-9 p.m. at The Coliseum (534 4th Avenue N) – “Boots on the Ground.’’ This is an all-white party with dancing, live jazz, R&B, and timeless soulful sounds, a community celebration. Call 727-323-1104 for more information.
Juneteenth on the Deuces – June 19, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. in historic 22nd Street (903 22nd Street and 9th Avenue South). Vendor market, arts, food & unity.
Tampa
Juneteenth Cultural Celebration @ Tampa Museum of Art – June 14, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., 120 Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa. Family artmaking, live music, gallery talks, and vendors. Contact www.Hello@tampamuseum.org
ROC THE BLOCK Inc. Juneteenth Festival – Saturday, June 21. Main festival at Raymond James Stadium – Caribbean Heritage festival with live performances, vendors & food for tickets and information, visit roctheblockinc.com
Annual Flag-Raising & Festival – June 13, 5-8 p.m. City Center at 2555 Hanna Avenue. A free community event featuring a ceremonial flag raising, cultural performances, local entertainment, free food, and community vendors.