Juneteenth Activities to Celebrate Freedom

How to Celebrate This Joyous Day

Juneteenth is an extraordinary day in American history. This was the day that slavery officially ended in the United States. It almost brings tears to my eyes when I think about it. Just think, the day that slavery officially ended in the US….. WOW.

When reflecting on Juneteenth, I have seen some people ask, how do you actually celebrate it. For my family and I, we usually celebrate this day in a similar way you would Independence Day on the 4th of July. Anyone, no matter what ethnicity you are, is welcomed to commemorate this joyous holiday.

Activities to Commemorate Juneteenth

Cookouts/Barbecues

The primary activity my family and I will routinely do on this day is grill. Depending on where you live here in the United States, some people call it “Cookouts” and some say “Barbecues.” They are both the same thing. Friends and family gathering together enjoying awesome food, and watching historic movies that reflect the occasion creates memories for years to come.

Local Parades

Galveston, TX – So much credit needs to go to Galveston because this is where the official ending of slavery took place in America. This is the birthplace of Juneteenth. To give you a little back story, the slaves in Galveston, TX were the last to be freed on June 19, 1865. They weren’t told of their freedom until two after President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863. Galveston has been celebrating this holiday long before it ever became a federal holiday.

Atlanta, GA – One of the biggest Juneteenth Celebrations in the country is held in Atlanta, GA. The festival held in Atlanta is called Juneteenth Atlanta Parade and Music Festival. This is a two day event, and over 100,000 people have been known to attend. Believe it or not the celebration here is televised locally with jets flying over the festival, vendors with a unique taste of the South and more. Come join the party here at Piedmont Park to commemorate the Holiday.

Philadelphia, PA – Philadelphia takes celebrating this holiday to a whole other level. Not only will you find a Miss Juneteenth Pageant here, but many celebrities from Philadelphia also attend. Over 25,000 people have been known to attend the celebration in Philly. From the music, the food, to the art vendors, you are bound to witness a true celebration of freedom here.

Memphis, TN – Memphis without a doubt one of the coolest places to commemorate this holiday. This is just a cool place in general in my opinion. If you’re looking for one big block party where music is played loud and proud on Beale Street, the smell of “back home” barbecue swimming in the air celebrating freedom, this is the place for you. The Juneteenth festival held here last for about two days. So if you miss day 1, you can make up for it on day 2. Like Galveston, TX, Memphis has celebrated this holiday long before it became a federal holiday. There’s no party quite like a Memphis party.

African American Fun Facts Games

Black History Trivia Games are super fun to play with friends and family. Esty is a great place to find great flash cards for the holiday. You will enjoy not only the knowledge you and loved ones will gain, but also the laughs and time spent with family is worth it.

Visiting Local African American Museums

No matter what area of the country you are. You will find a local history museum that reflects African American history. Visiting these museums is another way many people like to commemorate Juneteenth. Federal museums may be closed for the holiday.

Below are a list of Local and State African American museums (indoor and outdoor) throughout the country: