Getty Images
1250722355
Juneteenth, celebrated every year on June 19, marks the end of slavery in the U.S. In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, which declared enslaved people living in Confederate states to be free. However, it wasn't until June 19, 1865, that enslaved people in the far reaches of Galveston, Texas, were told that they were free. Since then, the day has been a celebration of freedom for Black Americans.
After an incredibly difficult year marked by widespread protests against police brutality, calls for racial equality, a once-in-a-lifetime pandemic that hit Black and other minority communities hardest, and renewed discussions of the history of citizens of color in the U.S., the Juneteenth holiday takes on new importance this year—especially in St. Louis.
In February, St. Louis County and City took a big and important step and declared Juneteenth a paid holiday for county and city employees starting this year. (Due to the holiday taking place on a Saturday this year, the paid holiday will be observed on June 18, with many government offices closed that day.) In honor of the holiday, there are many celebrations happening in the St. Louis area. Check out a few below:
Organized by the ArchCity Defenders, Forward Through Ferguson, Music Freedom Dreams, and others, Juneteenth Cookout 2021 will take place at 4 p.m. June 19 at Fairground Park. The event will include activities for kids, live music and DJs, spaces for attendees to learn more about Black History and Juneteenth, and Black-owned vendors and barbecue.
2. Juneteenth Celebration at the Field House Museum
The Field House Museum will host Julius B. Anthony, president of St. Louis Black Authors of Children’s Literature, and Linda M. Nance, founding president of The Annie Malone Historical Society, beginning at 1 p.m. June 19 as part of a special event celebrating Juneteenth and the museum’s partnerships with St. Louis Black Authors and The Annie Malone Historical Society. The event will include speakers on the legacy of Juneteenth, a performance by the St. Louis Gospel Choral Union Alumni, and access to the museum’s exhibitions: The Power of Words: The Ongoing Tale of Black Children’s Literature and Moving Forward: Exploring the Legacy of Annie Malone. The event is free, but reservations are required, and space is limited.
3. Trailnet’s Juneteenth Community Ride
Organized by Trailnet, 4TheVille, and The Missouri Historical Society, this leisurely, guided group bicycle ride starts at the Tandy Recreation Center in The Ville and will take you through the beautiful neighborhoods just north of downtown. The ride will feature stops for live musical performances from local artists and stories about the city’s history performed by historians and storytellers. The event begins at 9 a.m. on June 19, and the ride starts at 10 a.m. The event is free for Trailnet members or $15 for non-members. Organizers note that the ride takes place on city streets, and at a slow pace for people of all comfort levels.
4. Juneteenth at City Foundry STL
Put on by City Foundry STL and Jamo Presents, this outdoor gathering will be devoted to both celebrating Juneteenth and providing space to learn about social justice and community involvement. The event will include educational opportunities from WePower, interactive sports experiences, a vendor marketplace including food and beverages, dance performances, a yoga session from The Collective STL, and a live DJ set from Lamar Harris. Things kick off at noon on June 19, and will wrap up at 5 p.m. Everything is free and outdoors, and children and pets are welcome.
