June 19th — also known as Juneteenth, Emancipation Day, or Freedom Day — marks the official end of slavery in the United States, with the last slaves in the United States were read the Emancipation Proclamation and given their freedom. In 2021, President Biden made Juneteenth a federal holiday in the U.S. to commemorate the landmark day.
Here are a few ways you can participate in this meaningful day by commemorating Juneteenth here in D.C.:
1. Supporting local black-owned businesses & restaurants
There are a lot of incredible black-owned and operated shops, services, and restaurants in the D.C. area that more than deserve the love and attention you could give them this Juneteenth.
Whether you want to shop at local black-owned businesses or dine out at one of D.C.’s top black-owned restaurants, you can’t go wrong!
The important thing is that this small gesture of supporting these local businesses, however insignificant it may seem, helps the local community to continue to grow and develop.
2. Explore D.C.’s museums and their exhibits on Juneteenth
- Attend the Juneteenth Freedom Celebration at Anacostia Community Museum – This Thursday at the Anacostia Community Museum from 10 am to 5 p.m., reserve your spot join in the celebration.
- We Gather at the Edge: Contemporary Quilts by Black Women Artists: The Smithsonian American Art Museum acquired quilts from the collection of the prolific Dr. Carolyn Mazloomi who held a doctorate in aerospace engineering and was a renowned artist. In 1981, she founded the African American Quilt Guild of Los Angeles, and then, in 1985, she founded the Women of Color Quilters Network, fulfilling the desire of isolated makers to connect and continue Black textile traditions.
3. Join in the public celebrations
- Juneteenth Jubilee – Walk for Freedom: Attendees can gather at 10:30 a.m. on June 19th to prepare for the Freedom Walk taking place at 11am. The walk will travel across the 11th Street Bridge along business corridor to Sweet Tooth Cafe. More info here. Where: 355 Water Street SE (Navy Yard)
- National Harbor Juneteenth Celebration: This annual celebration is back starting 11am with a marketplace filled with Black makers and creators, a Rhythm & Roots Stage Performance, and Black Panther playing on the Potomac from 7- p.m.
- Juneteenth Literary Jubilee and Black Author Fest: On Wednesday, June 18th, celebrate the Juneteenth Literary Jubilee and Black Author Fest from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Award-winning poet, author, and Hip-Hop educator, Tony Keith Jr. will be the special guest MC and there will be speakers like Q. Elizabeth and Dwayne Lawson-Brown. (Where: 925 13th St. NW, Entrance on K Street)
- Rhythm Liberation Fest: BLK ASS FLEA MKT is putting on their 2nd annual Rhythm Liberation Fest with 50 Black Vendors and DJ Bra Coley, or Grammy-nominated Durand Bernarr.