Most Americans acknowledge July 4th as the day to celebrate liberty. But, there are actually two celebrations of freedom in the United States, and one of them is this Friday.
Juneteenth is a day that many Black Americans observe that is sure to gain even more attention in the shadow of George Floyd’s and other deaths due to racism and police brutality. Here’s what you need to know about the holiday and how you can celebrate locally.
What is Juneteenth?
Juneteenth—celebrated every Jun 19th—marks the day that Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas with news that enslaved Black Americans were free—two-and-a-half years after Pres. Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation.
It’s the oldest national commemoration of the end of slavery in the United States.
The day’s activities range from sports and barbeques to prayers and educational programs, according to the National Registry of Juneteenth Organizations and Supporters.
In Birmingham, there are several ways to celebrate the holiday.
June 19th List of events:
4 p.m. Juneteenth Celebration Picnic, Patton Park
More info here.
4-8 p.m. Juneteenth Pop Up, 4th Avenue Business District
More info here.
5 p.m. Women’s March, Legion Field
5-9 p.m. Simone’s Kitchen ATL Food Truck Grand Opening/Food Truck Fridays, 521 3rd Avenue West
More info here.
5-10 p.m. Party, Downtown Ensley Business District
7 p.m. Dr. Angela Y. Davis honored with Fred Shuttlesworth Human Rights Award, online
Register here.
Related News
-
What Does the Future of Outdoor Dining Look Like in Birmingham?
Filed Under: Birmingham Food & Drink, Downtown Birmingham, Filling Vacant Spaces, Front Page, Get Involved, Potential-Proving
At REV, we also love seeing the added vibrancy on the street as patrons enjoy outdoor dining in our beautiful city. As indoor dining reopens, cities across the country are realizing that ending expanded outdoor dining could mean leaving money on the table.
-
12 pieces of history preserved at Birmingham's Greyhound station turned office space
Filed Under: Developer, Downtown Birmingham, Filling Vacant Spaces, Front Page, Yaysayers
Although the Greyhound Bus Terminal was renovated in the ’70s, many original elements of the building remained and have now been become historic highlights in the present-day adaptive reuse project. Join us on a photo tour of the historic space!
-
Exactly why the Landing news is so good for Downtown Birmingham
Filed Under: Downtown Birmingham, Front Page, Potential-Proving, Yaysayers
This is obviously good for downtown… but why *exactly*? Here’s REV President & CEO David Fleming’s take on what the move means for downtown Birmingham’s place in the world now and in the future.