The Emancipation Proclamation of 1863 is known for legally freeing enslaved people residing in Confederate States, but its enactment wasn’t able to be enforced in territories still under Confederate control, such as the state of Texas. Two years later, on June 19, 1865, Major General Gordon Granger of the Union army announced in Galveston Bay, Texas, that by executive order, all enslaved Black people in the state were to be freed. This day, now known as Juneteenth, became a federally recognized national holiday in 2021 and marks a celebration of freedom for African Americans.
There are many opportunities to celebrate Juneteenth in St. Louis with music, fitness, festivals, and more. All around the city from June 13-20, there will be unique events to honor the history of Black Americans and support local Black artists and business owners. To find a way to participate in this long-standing celebration of independence this year, check out the events below.
Thursday Night at the Museum: Juneteenth Celebration | June 13
Spend the evening with the Missouri History Museum at this educational Juneteenth event. Delve into the history of the holiday or explore the African-American History Initiative—an initiative that collects African-American artifacts and materials from the region in order to unfold the stories behind them. The museum’s exhibits will be open late. Attendees will be able to purchase food or drinks from a cash bar. Missouri History Museum, 5700 Lindell.
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Courtesy of St. Louis Symphony Orchestra
Juneteenth Celebration with St. Louis Symphony Orchestra | June 13
Art meets education at the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra’s free Juneteenth Celebration. The Missouri-born Dr. James Tucker will deliver a presentation on the history and meaning of Juneteenth, and poet Tracy Stanton will perform spoken word. Music and dance performances will feature Ballet 314 and members of the St. Louis Symphony IN UNISON Chorus and the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra. Missouri History Museum, 5700 Lindell.
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Courtesy of Saint Louis Art Museum
Left: Patrick Earl Hammie Right: Occupy Vacancy's André Fuqua and Brianna McIntyre
Celebrating Juneteenth: Creating Our Futures | June 14
Hear from a panel of Black artists as they discuss their work, each engaging with themes of Juneteenth, Blackness, and liberation in unique ways. St. Louis artists André Fuqua and Brianna McIntyre use sculptures and local architecture to examine racism through urban movements, while Patrick Earlie Hammie’s artwork, “I AM… THE NIGHT” considers the psychology of racism. St. Louis Art Museum, 1 Fine Arts.
Issa Kickback: Juneteenth Celebration | June 14
The St. Louis County Library will host its own kickback in honor of the holiday. Children and families alike are invited to take part in the event, which will be decked out with food trucks, yard games, a live DJ performance, and a performance by the Gentlemen of Vision group, a local community-based program that empowers young men to finish high school and prepares them for the world beyond. Lewis & Clark Branch, 9909 Lewis-Clark.
Juneteenth: Race for Reconciliation | June 15
Kick off a day of Juneteenth festivities with the Race for Reconciliation, a 5k run/walk around the Delmar Loop. This event aims to promote racial unity by hosting the race on the Delmar Divide—a single street known for its role in a historically segregated city. After the race, grab a bite at the vendor fair, which features local Black-owned businesses. Catch a car show or check out live entertainment by local African musicians. 6350 Delmar.
Juneteenth Festival in Soulard Market Park | June 15
Non-profit organization Neighbors Impacting Communities is back in Soulard Market Park for its Juneteenth Festival. This free event features a lineup of musicians, vocalists, and dancers, as well as a marketplace for local vendors to show off their wares. Donations will support NIC, which aims to uplift St. Louis youth in the arts. Soulard Market Park.
Ferguson Juneteenth Celebration | June 15
Ferguson’s annual Juneteenth festival returns for another year of food, fun, and celebration. This community-oriented event gives neighbors a chance to come together, share a meal, and support local business owners while doing it. Several booths will offer games or activities for families and children. 510 South Florissant.
Juneteenth Caribbean Heritage Festival | June 15
This Caribbean celebration hosts an open-air museum providing education about freedom fighters of African and Caribbean descent, exposing attendees to the heroic history behind the festivities. The Commemorative Walk for Freedom and Justice will kick off the day, while music and food will entertain in the evening. This year will also feature zones dedicated to tents and shades, veteran organization information, and general health and wellness resources. Cricket Field in Forest Park, 5595 Grand.
Juneteenth Community Ride | June 15
Feel the St. Louis summer breeze as you cut through the wind on the Community Ride. River City Outdoors, in collaboration with Trailnet and 4 The Ville, presents a group bicycle ride coupled with music from local artists and informative storytelling. Bike rentals will be available through Urban Shark at the Foundry. Additionally, BIRD Scooters will be provided on-site to rent at no charge. Tandy Recreation Center, 4206 Kennerly.
BLK Family Reunion Festival | June 15
A Midwest spectacle, BLK Family Reunion Festival connects friends, families, and community members through a rejoicing of Black culture to celebrate Juneteenth. The free bash is expected to attract visitors from Kansas City, Chicago, Memphis, and the St. Louis metro area. Attendees can expect to be united through DJs, live music performances, and food vendors. A kid’s zone will also be available. Harris-Stowe State University, 3026 Laclede.
Freedom Summer STL | June 19
In the midst of joyous celebrations and events, ArchCity Defenders presents an advocacy and resource fair for community members to seek legal consultations, voter information, and other activist services. The event is coined after Freedom Summer, a 1964 movement during the Civil Rights era that aimed to increase the number of African-American registered voters in the U.S. Fairground Park.
The Black Woodstock Festival | June 19
East St. Louis welcomes its fourth year of live performances, food, and fun during The Black Woodstock Festival. Sponsored by the Illinois Department of Transportation and the St. Louis Blues Street Team, the festival will be an exciting conglomeration of soul, reggae, and R&B music; co*cktails and beer; food vendors; local businesses; and kid-friendly activities. 8206 State, East St. Louis, IL.
Juneteenth at the Garden | June 19
The Missouri Botanical Garden opens its doors to celebrate Juneteenth through a variety of garden-related events. Susie Cobbledick of the Garden Library Conservatory will lead an Ethiopian bookbinding class, guests can pot their own plant, and storybook sessions will take place in the English Woodland Garden. These activities are designed to educate participants on the contributions of Black individuals to the horticulture and science fields. Missouri Botanical Garden, 4344 Shaw.
A Juneteenth Celebration of Black Composers | June 20
Experience the rich diversity of Black music at Gateway Festival Orchestra’s Juneteenth celebration. This free event features nine unique compositions that spotlight the work of highly-celebrated Black composers such as Miles Davis and Florence Price, as well as the work of contemporary composers who call St. Louis home. Florissant Valley Theatre at Florissant Valley Community College, 3344 Pershall.
