Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, the day enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, learned they were free following President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation.
Although slaves in Delaware and elsewhere were not freed until the ratification of the 13th amendment on December 6, 1865, the celebration of freedom from slavery was practiced throughout the country.
Also known as Jubilee Day, Emancipation Day, Freedom Day and Black Independence Day, Juneteenth National Independence Day became a federal holiday last year.
Municipalities and groups around the state have events planned throughout the month. Here are a few to put on your calendar.
JUNETEENTH BEFORE EMANCIPATION:He found holes in history. Now, he’s educating others about the role of Black Delawareans in the Civil War
Virtual
The Southern Delaware Alliance for Racial Justice will present “A Celebration of Juneteenth” at the group’s virtual town hall meeting.
The program will include a presentation of the history of the new national holiday, poetry, dance, music and recollections of Juneteenths past.
Tuesday, June 14 – 7 to 8:30 p.m., via Zoom
To register for the town hall, go to
www.eventbrite.com/e/juneteenth-celebration-townhall-meeting-tickets-348490302877 or www.sdarj.org for more information.
Wilmington
Founded in 1994, the Delaware Juneteenth Association, the state’s oldest Juneteenth organization and the organization behind the annual Juneteenth Gala, continues the tradition of celebration with these upcoming events:
Juneteenth Observance
Sunday, June 19 – 4 p.m., Tabernacle Full Gospel Baptist, 501 Washington St., Wilmington
Juneteenth Freedom Festival and Parade
Monday, June 20 – Parade, 10 a.m. at Rodney Square, 11th and King streets; festival, noon at Tubman-Garrett Park, Rosa Parks Drive, Wilmington
25th annual Delaware Juneteenth Pageant
Sunday, June 26 – 5 p.m. The Grand Opera House, 818 N. Market St., Wilmington
Juneteenth Male Talent Showcase
Wednesday, June 29 – 7 p.m., Christina Cultural Arts Center, 705 N. Market St., Wilmington
For more information regarding these events, call (302) 314-5863 or email juneteenthdelaware@gmail.com.
Beyond Juneteenth Egungun Festival
Saturday, June 18 – 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., 2301 Kentmere Parkway, Wilmington
In association with Abundance Child Ministries Inc., the Delaware Art Museum will host its third annual Juneteenth at the museum.
The Beyond Juneteenth Egungun Festival celebrates not only the landmark holiday, but also serves as a ceremony to pay homage to ancestors. Attendees of the festival can also experience the “Indigenous Faces of Delaware” exhibition, which runs through September 11, inside the museum.
Hosted by Laurel Mustafa, the festivities feature live performances from well known local artists, including Nadjah Nicole and Jea Street, Jr., Richard Raw, Nitro Nitra and more. Drop Squad Kitchen, food trucks, arts and craft vendors will also be on deck.
Registration for the free event is encouraged. Visit delart.org.
Hockessin
The Hockessin Historical Society and New Castle County are sponsoring a free Juneteenth event lecture, “The Bulah Family and Brown V Board of Education” with Delaware State University Professor Emeritus Bradley Skelcher and former Hockessin Colored School #107 student James “Sonny” Knott.
Wednesday, June 15 – 7 to 9 p.m., Hockessin Fire Hall, 1225 Old Lancaster Pike, Hockessin
Bridgeville
The Cornerstone Community Center and Bridgeville Public Library will hold the Freedom Day Celebration: Redemption Story featuring music, food, dance and vendors:
Saturday, June 18 – 3 p.m., 600 S. Cannon St., Bridgeville
Lewes
Everyone is invited to attend the Juneteenth celebration planned by the Lewes African American Heritage Commission, the city of Lewes, Lewes Parks and Recreation and the Historic Lewes Farmers Market.
This free event will have vendors, food trucks, live music, African and Native American dancers, Miss Juneteenth and more.
Lewes Historic Juneteenth Freedom Day Celebration
Saturday, June 25 (rain date Sunday, June 26) – 1 to 6 p.m., George H.P. Smith Park
To volunteer or for more information, contact Trina Brown-Hicks 302-752-8112 or imtlyte@gmail.com.
Newark
Newark’s historic Black community will celebrate Juneteenth with a community reunion and indoor and outdoor activities.
The reunion will feature prayer, flag-raising, a walk through the community’s historical areas, speakers, storytelling and more.
Bring swimwear for the pool and outdoor gear to relax or enjoy outside activities on the grounds of School Hill.
School Hill Juneteenth Celebration
Saturday, June 18 – 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; History walk from George Wilson Center starts at 11 a.m.
Friends of Cooch’s Bridge Historic Site Juneteenth Event
This group is hosting a free outdoor celebration of Juneteenth on the site of Delaware’s only Revolutionary War battlefield to feature keynote remarks by the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance’s Patty Wilson Aden and the United Way’s Brandon Brice. The Joseph Whitney Steel Band will provide music.
Admission is free but registration is required because parking is extremely limited and there are no lavatory facilities. Carpooling is strongly suggested.
Sunday, June 19 – 2 p.m., 981 Old Baltimore Pike, near Glasgow. Register at www.tfaforms.com/4988750
You can send your Juneteenth event information to reporter Anitra Johnson at ajohnson@delawareonline.com or 302-379-5786.
