June 11, 2025

Celebrating Juneteenth

Author

Denee Bowers

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In 2021, Juneteenth completed the long journey of seeking official recognition from the government and becoming a federal holiday in the United States. Juneteenth National Independence Day is celebrated annually on June 19 to commemorate the ending of slavery.

Juneteenth design: Green, black, and red heart shapes over yellow with

President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation to take effect on January 1, 1863 and free all enslaved people in the Confederacy. On June 19, 1865 Major General Granger ordered full enforcement of the law a full 900 days later. Because of its remote location at the time, Texas was the last state where slavery remained.


Celebrations that began in Galveston, TX grew to attract thousands of attendees. When the Jim Crow Era began many celebrations declined or disappeared all together. It was not until the late 1960s that the tradition saw a revival and cities and states began to make their own Juneteenth proclamations. Modern celebrations have become multicultural events with readings of the Emancipation Proclamation, music, food, and more.


Here is a list of some of the Juneteenth celebrations taking place throughout St. Louis:


"Tuskegee Airmen: America's Freedom Flyers"

Exhibit at the Missouri History Museum Soldiers Memorial

Opens Thursday, June 19 and runs through November 2 https://mohistory.org/exhibits/tuskegee-airmen


"Joyful Juneteenth: An Evening of Performances"

5:00 - 8:00 pm

Thursday, June 19

Edward and Margaret Imo Family Plaza https://mohistory.org/events/joyful-juneteenth


Juneteenth at The Griot Museum

11:00 am - 5:30 pm

Thursday, June 19

2505 Saint Louis Ave, St. Louis, MO 63106 A celebration of history and culture. Food, music, storytelling, small businesses

and resources.

5:30pm Freedom March to St. Louis Place Parks 5th annual

Whitaker Music Festival

https://www.thegriotmuseum.com/events


SLSO Community Concert Juneteenth Concert

7:00 - 8:30pm

Thursday, June 19

Manchester United Methodist Church

129 Woods Mill Road Manchester, MO 63011 Experience an unforgettable Juneteenth celebration of song, spirit, and spoken

word by the IN UNISON Young Artists of the SLSO!




Neighbors Impacting Communities - Parade

9:00 - 10:30 am

Saturday, June 14

South Lafayette Street & Truman Drive

1500 Lafayette Ave, St. Louis, MO 63104



Celebrate Juneteenth with the Delmar Loop Saturday, June 14

Race for Reconciliation

8:30 - 10:30 am

Black-Owned Food Truck Pop-Up Park & Family Fun

12:00 – 4:00 pm

Evening Celebration & Performances

4:00 – 9:00 pm

This year, the vibrant communities of University City and St. Louis City, along

with Delmar Main Street and the St. Louis Reconciliation Network, are coming

together to host a powerful day of reflection, connection, and joy across Delmar

Boulevard.

https://explorestlouis.com/event/delmar-blvd-juneteenth-celebration/


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