By Savanne Giroire, Marketing and Events Assistant
“The people of Texas are informed that in accordance with a Proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and hired laborer.”
General Gordon Granger issued this Order No. 3, informing the people of Texas that all enslaved people were now free on June 19th, 1865. Since this date, Juneteenth has been the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. This year, on the 157th commemoration of the holiday, we continue the celebrations through community projects, spaces and events taking place in #DTJax and look forward to seeing you there!
The Ritz Theatre and Museum
The Ritz Theatre and Museum’s mission is to connect communities to the past, present, and future contributions and stories of African American arts and culture in Jacksonville. To learn more about the Ritz Theatre and Museum, visit their website here! Ritz Theatre’s Heritage Concert Series is celebrating Black Music Month with a concert featuring the music of the best R&B bands on June 11. Get your tickets here!
Juneteenth Melanin Market
Jax Melanin Market is putting on the annual Juneteenth Melanin Market, displaying over 250 Black-Owned businesses and non-profits in Jacksonville during a one-day market full of delicious food trucks, shopping, live performances and more. Visit their website for more information!
United Era Inc.’s Juneteenth Festival
United Era Inc.’s annual Juneteenth Festival takes place in Klutho park from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., and will be equipped with food trucks, live performances, a kids park play area and more, so bring out the whole family for a fun-filled day of celebration and remembrance.
Jacksonville Juneteenth City Event
At the Jacksonville Juneteenth City Event at Daily’s Place, you can look forward to live performances from some of the nation’s best Gospel Artists in a community centered, family friendly, and engaging setting. This event takes place on Saturday June 18th at 4 p.m.! Get your tickets here!
Tag us at #DTJax and share how you are celebrating Juneteenth this year for a chance to be featured!