Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, the day enslaved people in Galveston, Texas learned they were free following President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation.
Although slaves in Delaware and elsewhere were not freed until the ratification of the 13th amendment on December 6, 1865, the celebration of freedom from slavery was practiced throughout the country.
Also known as Jubilee Day, Emancipation Day, Freedom Day, and Black Independence Day, Juneteenth National Independence Day became a federal holiday last year.
Municipalities and groups around the state have events planned throughout the month. Here are a few to put on your calendar.
JUNETEENTH BEFORE EMANCIPATION:He found holes in history. Now, he’s educating others about the role of Black Delawareans in the Civil War
Virtual
The Southern Delaware Alliance for Racial Justice (SDARJ) will present “A Celebration of Juneteenth” at their virtual town hall meeting.
The program will include a presentation of the history of the new national holiday, poetry, dance, music, and recollections of Juneteenths past.
Tuesday, June 14 – 7p.m. to 8:30 pm, via Zoom
To register for the town hall, go to
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/juneteenth-celebration-townhall-meeting-tickets-348490302877 or www.sdarj.org for more information.
Wilmington
Founded in 1994, the Delaware Juneteenth Association, the state’s oldest Juneteenth organization, and the organization behind the annual Juneteenth Gala, continues the tradition of celebration with these upcoming events:
Juneteenth Observance
Sunday, June 19 – 4 pm, Tabernacle Full Gospel Baptist, 501 Washington St., Wilmington
Juneteenth Freedom Festival and Parade
Monday, June 20; Parade, 10 am at Rodney Square, 11th and King streets; Festival, 12 pm at Tubman –Garrett Park, Rosa Parks Drive, Wilmington
25th Annual Delaware Juneteenth Pageant
Sunday, June 26 – 5 pm The Grand Opera House, 818 N. Market St. Wilmington
Juneteenth Male Talent Showcase
Wednesday, June 29 – 7 pm, Christina Cultural Arts Center, 705 N. Market St. Wilmington
For more information regarding these events, call (302) 314-5863 or email juneteenthdelaware@gmail.com
Hockessin
The Hockessin Historical Society and New Castle County are sponsoring a free Juneteenth event lecture, “The Bulah Family and Brown V Board of Education“with Delaware State University Professor Emeritus Dr. Bradley Skelcher and former Hockessin Colored School # 107 student James” Sonny “Knott.
Wednesday, June 15 – 7 pm to 9 pm, Hockessin Fire Hall, 1225 Old Lancaster Pike, Hockessin
Bridgeville
The Cornerstone Community Center and Bridgeville Public Library will hold the Freedom Day Celebration: Redemption Story featuring music, food, dance, and vendors:
Saturday, June 18 – 3 pm, 600 S. Cannon St., Bridgeville
Lewes
Everyone is invited to attend the Juneteenth celebration planned by The Lewes African American Heritage Commission, City of Lewes, Lewes Parks and Recreations, and the Historic Lewes Farmers Market.
This free event will have vendors, food trucks Live music African & Native American dancers, Miss Juneteenth, and more.
Lewes Historic Juneteenth Freedom Day Celebration
Saturday, June 25 (rain date Sunday, June 26) – 1 pm to 6 pm, George HP Smith Park
To volunteer or for more information, contact Trina Brown-Hicks (302) 752-8112 or imtlyte@gmail.com.
Newark
Newark’s historic Black community will celebrate Juneteenth with a community reunion and indoor and outdoor activities.
The reunion will feature prayer, flag raising, a walk through the community’s historical areas, speakers, storytelling, and more.
Bring swimwear for the pool and outdoor gear to relax or enjoy outside activities on the grounds of School Hill.
School Hill Juneteenth Celebration
Saturday, June 18 – 11 am to 7 pm; History walk from George Wilson Center starts at 11 am
You can send your Juneteenth event information to reporter Anitra Johnson at ajohnson@delawareonline.com or 302-379-5786