Juneteenth Events
On June 19, 1865, more than two months after the Civil War officially ended, Union troops arrived in Galveston, TX, to inform enslaved people there (and the people who enslaved them) that they were free.
Described as a second independence day, Juneteenth commemorates the day when enslaved people in the farthest reaches of the South finally learned of their freedom (though creating and enforcing that freedom proved a harder task). Celebrations of the day date back to 1866, and Juneteenth was officially recognized as a federal holiday in 2021.
As we head into Juneteenth weekend, we want to share with you a few local Juneteenth events the Foundation is excited to support this year.
Saturday Shoppes: Freedom Fest
When: Saturday, June 15th, 4pm – 8pm
Location Tropicana Field, Lot 1
The Burg Cares & Metro Inclusive Health: Juneteenth Jam Session
When: Saturday, June 15th, 6pm – 10pm
Location: Urban Drinkery, 2184 9th Ave. S
Banyan Tree Project: Juneteenth Gospel Fest
When: Sunday, June 16th, 4pm – 7pm
Location: Deuces Corner Bandshell, corner of 9th Ave. S and 22nd St. S
Phyllis Wheatley Rise to Read Campaign’s Juneteenth Literacy Festival
When: June 13-16, June 22
Location: Varied
More information on Juneteenth events can be found via the City’s guide, I Love the Burg, and the Tampa Bay Times.
We hope you enjoy your Juneteenth, however you choose to honor the day.