It’s almost time to celebrate one of the most important days in Black History and culture…Juneteenth.
On June 19th, 1865, also known as Juneteenth, was declared the true independence day for Black people because it was the day that slavery ended and slaves were set free. For years, the day has gone severely unacknowledged but this year, it’s the holiday will be acknowledging.
Since the tragic murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Rayshard Brooks, Eric Gardner, and many other unarmed black people at the hands of white police officers, the black community has decided that they have had enough.
We have rioted, protested, put our black dollars into other black own businesses and now we are coming together to celebrate Juneteenth the right way. Take a look at all of the events happening on Friday, June 19th, 2020 (Juneteenth)
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Celebrate Juneteenth.
Grab your friends, bring your own drinks, snacks, blankets, relax, and have a great day.
Location: Prospect Park (Vanderbilt and Prospect Entrance)
Time: 4pm
Price: Free
Social Media Contact: @DrinksByUnique LLC via Instagram
Instagram @DrinksByUniqueLLC
2. We Unapologetically Outside: Big Black Kickback
This is a collaboration that you wouldn’t want to miss out on. Join Avery MsArtistry along with Scott Morris, and many others to relax, rejoice, and listen to guest speakers, music, activists and many more.
Location: Brooklyn Bridge Park & Riverbank State Park (Harlem)
Time: 12pm
Price: Free but donations are accepted. Proceeds will go to Black-owned businesses affected by the riots, essential workers, and support a fund to start black businesses.
Social Media Contact: @blackbigkickback @blackityco and @onequeentoanother @moremediaco @AveryMsartistry @LifeofSmorris
3. A Freedom Ride: Route With A Purpose
Join Brooklyn Borough President and the Good Company Bike Club for a “Freedom Ride” through Brooklyn. Learn about the beauty of Black culture and support some black-owned businesses with the neighborhood. Don’t forget your bikes.
Location: 200 Eastern Parkway (In front of the steps)
Time: 1pm
Price: Free but you have to RSVP Here
4. Juneteenth Freedom Day
Everyone is celebrating! Join SnapNYC, along with Brooklyn Borough President, Eric Adams and Council Member Farah Louis as they celebrate Juneteenth Freedom Day, with a special performance by Papoose. Remember to wear all black!
Location: 10 Grand Army Plaza Brooklyn Public Library
Time: 10am
Price: Free
Social Media: @snapsnyc
Whatever you plan on doing to celebrate our independence day, Juneteenth, have fun, be safe and don’t forget to pour back into you and your community.
On June 19th, 1865, two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed and issued by President Abraham Lincoln, which granted the freedom of more than 3 million slaves in the South, many slaves were unaware that slavery was abolished. Union Army Major General Gordon Granger, took his soldiers to Galveston, Texas to inform everyone that slavery was no longer in America.The Emancipation Proclamation officially ended slavery on January 1st, 1863, however due to the Civil War and the South’s rebellion, it wasn’t properly enforced.Since General Granger’s announcement brought good news to formerly enslaved blacks, celebrations took place, making June 19th, 1865 the day that Juneeteenth was born.So why aren’t more African American celebrating?In 1980, the state of Texas declared Juneteenth an official holiday, but it still goes unnoticed by majority of the country.Juneteenth is not only a day of celebration but also a day to remember when the evils of slavery ended in America for our ancestors.As many celebrate this day, let us remember how far African Americans have come, let us remember and celebrate General Granger for being the driving force in spreading the word that slavery had ended, and let us not forget to reflect on who we are as a community but also as a nation.Happy Juneteenth!