Juneteenth, the national holiday highlighting the official end of slavery in the United States, brings together communities to honor self-expression, Black liberation and creativity. As the nation comes together for their own festivities, communities around Brooklyn offer several ways to celebrate Black joy, equality and justice.
Brooklyn’s 16th Annual Juneteenth NY
Various times and locations, through June 19
Juneteenth NYC, a nonprofit public charity, is back in Brooklyn with its annual celebration of culture. This year’s theme is A Legacy of Resilience: Celebrating the Power of Community. Festivities kicked off on June 12 with the annual recognition of influential male Black leaders at the Black Kings Celebration, followed by the Family Fun Day Festival at Gershwin Park on June 14. The weeklong celebration will conclude with a virtual summit on Juneteenth.
Brooklyn’s 3rd Annual Juneteenth in the Park
Lena Horne Bandshelll in Prospect Park
Thursday, June 19, 6-9 p.m., doors open at 5 p.m. Free
If you are looking for some good music that combines hip-hop, funk and soul, head over to Prospect Park for live performances by funk band Ghost-Note with an opening set by DJ Flash Gordon Parks. There will also be readings by Voices of a People’s History, who will honor the stories and traditions of American history.
Drunk Black History
The Bell House
Thursday, June 19, 7:30-9 p.m. $32
Looking for some adult fun that is also educational? Drunk Black History is celebrating Juneteenth by teaching about Black history with a side of booze. Historians, writers, and comedians, including Gary Simons, Lea’h Simpson and others, will recap the biography of historical Black figures or events that haven’t gotten the coverage they deserve.
Still We Rise: A Juneteenth Celebration
Shirley Chisholm Circle in Brower Park
Thursday, June 19, 11 a.m-3 p.m. Free
A special celebration put on by the Brooklyn Children’s Museum, join in on the fun with special performances by the Brooklyn United Marching Band and Brooklyn Conservatory of Music. There will also be line dancing workshops, storytelling, live planting activities, a special quilting project and more. Brooklyn Children’s Museum will be open for regular admission from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with free admission from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Juneteenth: Brooklyn and the Abolitionist Movement
Pier 1, Brooklyn Bridge Park
Thursday, June 19, 11a.m.-12:30 p.m. Free, registration required
If you are a fan of the many parks of NYC, think of joining the Urban Park Rangers on a walk and talk history lesson. They will be discussing the significance of Brooklyn to the abolitionist movement in the United States, including Brooklyn’s integral role as part of the Underground Railroad.
Juneteenth Jubilee
Brooklyn Museum
Saturday, June 21, 1-5 p.m. Free with museum admission
Stop by the Brooklyn Museum for an afternoon of games, mini-zine making, poetry open-mic sessions, and Bruce Edwards Trio with Alisha Ohri. The fifth annual community photo series will also be happening, along with shopping and eating by local Black-owned businesses and restaurants.
We Outside! A Brooklyn Juneteenth, Vol. III
The Plaza at 300 Ashland
Saturday June 21, 2-8 p.m. Free
Join in the celebrations with live music, dance, spoken word, food trucks and more to celebrate culture and community. Includes a marketplace with homegoods, handmade jewelry and more from Black-owned businesses, vendors and artists.
