June 18, 2021 | Main Streets Celebrate Juneteenth: Our New Federal Holiday | By: Abby Armato, Communications Coordinator, Main Street America |
Archival photograph of a Juneteenth celebration. Graphic courtesy of the National Museum of African American History & Culture
Main Street communities across the nation are celebrating Juneteenth, the oldest national commemoration of the ending of slavery in America and the nation’s newest federal holiday! On June 19th, 1865, Union soldiers led by Major General Gordon Granger landed at Galveston, Texas, with news that the Civil War had ended and that enslaved Black people were now free. (Note this was two and a half years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation – which had become official January 1, 1863.)
Often referred to as Jubilee Day, Freedom Day, and America’s Second Independence Day, this day has historically been celebrated with parades, barbecues, and baseball as well as education and self-improvement. This year, Main Street programs are hosting events to promote Black-owned businesses, partnering with local nonprofits to host celebrations, and using their social media channels to amplify Juneteenth initiatives in their area. Check out a few Juneteenth celebrations happening in states across the nation below.
In Maryland. Working with their eight Main Street districts, Baltimore Main Streets (BMS), the city’s Main Street Coordinating Program, has organized a Black Business Crawl to commemorate the Juneteenth weekend. Attendees of the BMS Black Business Crawl will receive a swag bag with goodies sourced from local Black-owned businesses. The bag will also include a passport with a list of participating Black businesses, featuring special sales and exclusive offers. Attendees can turn in their completed passports for a chance to win BMS prizes. Learn more.
In Florida. Orlando’s City District amplified a celebration event hosted in the district’s Wells’ Built Museum of African American History and Culture. The museum’s “Celebrate Freedom” event will feature spoken word artists, a makers market, and food trucks. The museum hopes the evening will “serve as a vehicle to amplify Black voices in our community and their artistry with intentions to create deeper threads of connection.” The Main Street program was one of several local organizations who helped sponsor the event. Learn more.
In Tennessee. The Downtown Franklin Association amplified the 17th Annual Juneteenth Celebration of Freedom and Health Fair, hosted by the African American Heritage Society of Williamson County. This outdoor celebration will feature games, giveaways, food trucks, and booths, and will be kicked off by the Franklin Justice and Equity Coalition. During the event, a special Juneteenth marker will be unveiled in the park. Learn more.
In West Virginia. The Wheeling Juneteenth Committee, including representatives from Wheeling Heritage—the town’s Main Street program—is hosting its third annual Juneteenth Celebration. The event will feature music, live entertainment, and food trucks. The event will begin with an opening ceremony to take place at the north end of Market plaza: a space that was once a slave auction block. “We want to kick off this event with a ceremony, to remember those that came before us, but ultimately, Juneteenth is a celebration,” said Ron Scott, Chair of the Juneteenth Committee. “This is an opportunity to celebrate the contributions of the black community in Wheeling.” Learn more.
In California. MainStreet Oceanside is promoting a Juneteenth celebration hosted by one of its small businesses. Bliss Tea and Treats is hosting a poetry and food event in honor of Juneteenth, featuring a special menu featuring African and West Indies-inspired foods. In addition to poetry readings, Rushell Gordon, co-owner of Bliss Tea and Treats, has invited a speaker to present a special piece about the Emancipation Proclamation. This event will coincide with MainStreet Oceanside’s largest Makers Market and the North San Diego County NAACP Juneteenth Celebration. Learn more.
Learn more about Juneteenth by exploring this virtual programming from the National Museum of African American History & Culture. Not sure how to honor the day in your community? Start by sharing these downloadable social media graphics!