By Lilac Burrell
America’s true day of independence is this Wednesday.
Yes, Independence Day is technically in July, but Juneteenth’s significance is often overlooked in mainstream America in spite of its being recognized as a national holiday since 2021.
At its core, Juneteenth is a holiday celebrated on June 19 to commemorate the emancipation of enslaved people in the U.S. in Texas. On that date in 1865, in the aftermath of the Civil War, the last of the enslaved people in that Confederate stronghold were finally declared free by executive decree — three years after the passage of the 1862 Emancipation Proclamation.
Spiritually, for many, Juneteenth marks the day this country started living up to the promises of equality laid out in the Declaration of Independence, some 89 years earlier. The first commemorations of Juneteenth occurred almost immediately, dating back to 1866, in church-centered community gatherings in Texas, before spreading across the South.
In Brooklyn, the weekend leading up to Juneteenth was jam-packed with celebrations and ceremonies, including the massive Lay Out party in Fort Greene Park and the Weekesville Heritage Center hosted its annual Juneteenth Food Festival.
Juneteenth falls on a Wednesday this year, and there are plenty more ways to mark the day, both somber and celebratory. Here are 11 things to do on Juneteenth in the city this week:
Juneteenth: Brooklyn and the Abolitionist Movement
11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
The full moon on June 21 means it’s time to touch grass and release. Nature can help you recharge and center yourself in some good energy, so start your recharge on Juneteenth with a reminder of Brooklyn’s significance in the abolitionist movement. Join Juneteenth: Brooklyn and the Abolitionist Movement at Brooklyn Bridge Park for a guided nature tour. Corner of Furman and Old Fulton Streets. Free.
Juneteenth Jubilee at Nautilus Playground
Noon to 4:00 p.m.
Say you’re in South Brooklyn and don’t want to travel much. We still got you, cousin! Visit the Juneteenth Jubliee at Nautilus Playground at the Coney Island YMCA. This kid-friendly, free event is hosted by Senator Scarcella-Spanton’s office and the NYCDOE among other local representatives. This a free way for local businesses and performers. W. 30th and W 32nd Streets.
BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! Juneteenth Unity Fest
5 p.m.
Join the fourth annual BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! Juneteenth Unity Fest at the Lena Horne Bandshell in Prospect Park. The Unity Fest is headlined by gospel singer, Tye Tribbett. DJ Spinna will host, mixing hip-hop, R&B, jazz and house influences, so come ready to dance! Community vendors are collaborating so the celebration also serves as a dialogue on Black economic empowerment. The free RSVP is wallet-empowering for sure.
Juneteenth — A Celebration of Liberation and Community
6 to 9 p.m.
Make grounding a deeper practice at Juneteenth — A Celebration of Liberation and Community on Wednesday at Recess Art near the Brooklyn Navy Yard. The space is meditation and ancestral connection-oriented for thinking about how transformative change will look in the future. Reserve a spot on Eventbrite before tickets run out! 46 Washington Avenue.
Paint Faire Juneteenth Paint Party
7 to 10 p.m.
Explore your creativity and enjoy discounted co*cktails at Sweet Science BKLYN on Juneteenth. What better way of enjoying freedom than unwinding and getting creative outside? The Williamsburg Paint and Sip will be a calm way to commemorate the holiday. Tickets are $30. 135 Graham Avenue.
Brooklyn Dream Juneteenth Comedy Show at the Brooklyn Dreams Juice Lounge
8 to 10 p.m.
Finally, Freedom Day is joy-filled. End the day at a 420-friendly laugh season with a smoothie at the Brooklyn Dream Juneteenth Comedy Show at the Brooklyn Dreams Juice Lounge. Comics include Kwabena Ampofo, Big T, and Joi Sanchez among others. 1276 Broadway. Tickets range from $10 to $20
Black Restaurant Week
Times and locations vary
Kick off Juneteenth by investing in Black restaurants. Until June 30, 80 participating restaurants provide global Afro-cultural cuisine. The week expands through all five boroughs and New Jersey Townships. If you’re looking for soul food, Caribbean bites, or African delights, you’ll find a range of options among Black Restaurant Week’s full line-up.
Also, some Manhattan events:
Some Sing: A Juneteenth Celebration
6 p.m.
Experience Black American history through music at Some Sing: A Juneteenth Celebration at the Lincoln Center. This free event is curated by the award-winning poet and novelist Carl Hanco*ck Rux with performances by experimental jazz artist Cooper Moore, soul musician Stephanie McKay, and trumpeter Herb Albert. Hearst Plaza. Free.
Black and Queer: A Juneteenth Celebration
7 p.m.
Pride and Juneteenth harmonize with the New York City Gay Men’s Chorus Black And Queer: A Juneteenth Celebration. The celebratory concert will highlight often unheard expressions of Black and intersectionality. Vocal stories, songs, and solos will meet all visitors at Christ Church NYC on Wednesday. The event is free, although registration is encouraged. 524 Park Avenue.
Black Women in Comedy Laff Fest
8 to 10 p.m.
Lincoln Center is the place to be on Wednesday to mark Black Women in Comedy Laff Fest’s opening ceremony. The fest runs through Sunday, June 23, to empower Black women comics by acknowledging their resilience. Your free RSVP doesn’t guarantee entry, because seating is first come first served. Don’t show up on CP time! Jaffe Drive in Manhattan.
Movie Under the Stars: The Wiz
9 to 11:59 p.m
Ease on down the road to check out this free screening of “The Wiz,” the cult classic rendition of one of America’s seminal fantasy films and novels “The Wizard of Oz”. This film’s all-star cast — Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, and Nipsey Russell to name a few — couldn’t save it from Hollywood racism, which gave it negative reviews and ruined Diana Ross’s aspiring acting career. The film follows a Lindy Hop dance class at 6:00 pm, a DJ set at 7:00 pm, and opening remarks by Tony Award-winning choreographer George Faison. Softball Field 1 in Morningside Park, Manhattan.
