It only took the United States 156 years to make Juneteenth, also known as Black Independence Day, the eleventh American federal holiday and the first since Martin Luther King Day was established in 1983.
Surely, Major General George Granger, the man who in 1865 ordered the final enforcement of the Emancipation Proclamation in Texas after the Civil War ended, was rolling over in his grave wondering why it took a century and a half to formalize a significant American milestone that Black Americans began celebrating in 1866.
Even as federal diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs are being banned, Juneteenth is beyond the reach of the current administration, having been designated as an official holiday [June 19] and one that Richmond’s Black community and its allies celebrate in many forms in June. Here are some of this month’s planned events:
Honor the foundational presence of African people in Richmond at Elegba Folklore Society’s Juneteenth 2025: A Freedom Celebration event. Free to attend, it takes place at the Manchester dock and along the Trail of Enslaved Africans on Southside. The celebration is intended as an opportunity to reflect and understand, to engage in rituals and enjoy music, dance, conversation, children’s activities, food and shopping. Attendees are asked to wear white, and are invited to bring ancestral offerings such as flowers, water, fruit or prayers. The Tribute to the Ancestors, Along the Trail of Enslaved Africans immerses attendees in narratives, the historical record and music. (Saturday, June 14 from 1 – 8:30 p.m.)
Celebrate Juneteenth at the Midlothian Library with The Soul Siblings, duo Jarene and J. Ron Fleming, as they share powerful a capella songs rooted in Virginia gospel, blues, African rhythms and soul. Using storytelling, drumming and audience interaction, the duo presents a high energy program that epitomizes the rhythm and spirit of Juneteenth. (Saturday, June 14, 2 – 3 p.m.)
Come one, come all, to the Juneteenth Community Celebration at the Branch Museum of Design. In addition to the new exhibits “(re) Framing Protest (Now)” documenting the 2020 civil rights protests in Richmond and “Echoes of Us,” a group exhibition showcasing the work of over 15 Virginia-based Black artists, there will also be a live DJ, a book signing for “(re) Framing Protest” and a pop-up print shop featuring work by the artists in “Echoes of Us.” Check out “Umama,” a monumental art installation honoring the resilience of women in Richmond and Capetown. Light snacks provided. (Thursday, June 19, 6-8 p.m.)
Take in a full day of activities in nature at Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens’ Juneteenth Free Community Day celebration. Activities include A Flag for Juneteenth story time, live painting in the garden, music performances by Lady Hymningbird, Juneteenth videos, DJ B-Rice, food trucks and, come evening, Ban Caribe performing. (Thursday, June 19, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.)
As part of Juneteenth in the Park, Pine Camp Cultural Arts Center is presenting “Our Man Mitchell: The Life and Times of John Mitchell” at the amphitheater. The play focuses on the late 19th century Richmond journalist, John H. Mitchell Jr., who was editor-in-chief of The Richmond Planet. (Thursday, June 19, 4 – 6 p.m.)
The theme for the Fifth Annual Virginia Juneteenth Parade is “Amplifying the Narrative of Mary Lumpkin, God’s Half Acre, and the legacy of Virginia Union University.” The parade takes place on the historic grounds of Virginia Union University and features bands and community groups marching in solidarity. (Thursday, June 19, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.)
Richmond Parks and Rec is presenting the Jubilation in June Festival honoring Black excellence, culture and history at the Intermediate Terminal on Wharf Street. Intended as a day of reflection, joy and community, the festival brings together food trucks, activities for all ages and, of course, music. R & B singer Carl Thomas will headline the evening’s entertainment. (June 19, 4 p.m.)
Turn up for a purpose at the Fulton Juneteenth Empowerment Concert, a night of live music, entertainment, and community at Mount Calvary Baptist Church. The Fulton Juneteenth Empowerment Concert is all about honoring Black history, celebrating Black culture, and supporting causes that uplift the Fulton community. After an inspirational opening by the Mt. Calvary Baptist Church Praise Team, enjoy performances by Richmond artists DJ Timpusha, The Intensity Band and The Diamond Band. Food trucks will be on site. (Friday, June 20, 5 – 8 p.m.) Tickets
Presented by the Henrico County Recreation and Parks, the Juneteenth event at Dorey Park features live music and entertainment, a market with 160 local vendors, and a Kids’ Zone with the ever-popular inflatables. This year’s musical theme is Go-Go music, a uniquely regional sound that’s deeply rooted in the Black community. On stage will be Go-Go legends EU featuring Sugar Bear, plus the iconic Chuck Brown Band with Brown’s son Wiley Brown leading the band in tribute to the Godfather of Go-Go. For the grand finale, Art of Noise featuring DJ Lonnie B will perform, followed by an epic firework show to light up the night. (Saturday, June 21, 4 -10 p.m.)
Pocahontas State Park invites you to experience Juneteenth in the Park for events celebrating Black culture, resilience and joy. At noon, there’s “Art in the Park: Celebrating Black Artists and Conservationists,” and at 4 p.m., “A Hike through History,” where visitors can traverse paths that were once marked by segregation, reflecting on how these landscapes played a role in shaping the history of Black recreation. (Saturday, June 21, 4 – 6 p.m.)
Henricus Historical Park celebrates Juneteenth with “The Forgotten Soldiers of Juneteenth: The 116th United States Colored Troops of Dutch Gap Canal.” Meet at the Visitor Center to learn about Chesterfield County’s ties to Galveston, Texas, where Juneteenth began, through photos, memorabilia, and discussion with staff. (Saturday, June 21, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.)
The RVA Black Bar Crawl 2025: A Juneteenth Festival in Shockoe Bottom was conceived to celebrate, network and socialize at multiple minority-owned restaurants, bars and lounges. The goal is to use networking and socializing to bring awareness to supporting Black-owned Richmond area businesses. An array of minority-owned businesses will have popup shops at the bar crawl venues. (Saturday, June 21, 3-8 p.m.) Tickets
