Juneteenth is a celebration of the end of slavery in the United States. It commemorates June 19, 1865 — the day the end of the Civil War was announced in Texas. It is known as our country’s second Independence Day and in 2021, Juneteenth National Independence Day was designated a U.S. Federal holiday.
Juneteenth emphasizes African American education and achievement and is a time marked with everything from family reunions to rodeos. The Pan-African flag was created in 1920. The colors represent freedom, pride, and the political power of Black Americans.
CELEBRATE AROUND TOWN: |
JUNE 19:
Join us for the City of Norcross' Juneteenth Celebration on Thursday, June 19 at 10:00 a.m. at the Cultural Arts and Community Center. Delve into rich African American performances, traditions and more as we honor the legacy of Juneteenth.
Enjoy light refreshments, including Hibiscus Tea by Refuge Coffee and delicious Red Velvet Cookies by Cookie Tingz. Explore educational exhibit boards provided by Langston Leake, offering deeper insight into Black history and culture. Can’t make it in person? No problem—we’ll be livestreaming the event so you can join the celebration from anywhere. Get ready to celebrate, learn and connect!
Christine is a dynamic storyteller specializing in historical African American narratives, including tales like Secrets of the Quilts on the Underground Railroad. A published poet, author and retired educator, she brings wisdom, heart, and cultural depth to every performance, captivating audiences of all ages.
Saxophonist and recording artist Antoine Gibson has graced major stages like Carnegie Hall and the Super Bowl. A skilled performer and composer, he’s appeared in films and TV, and recently released his debut album Tales From The Eastside. Antoine blends jazz, soul and hi
JUNE 19:
This year’s Juneteenth Celebration is presented by the City of Sandy Springs in partnership with the City of Brookhaven and City of Dunwoody. It will take place on Thursday, June 19 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at City Springs. This family-friendly event is free and open to the public, offering a vibrant mix of educational experiences, live performances, and immersive art exhibitions in honor of Juneteenth.
Schedule includes:
- 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.:
- Outdoor Celebration - Food Trucks, Music, Games, and Activities for All Ages (City Green)
- LIQUID Arts & Productions' Digital Art Exhibition and Experience (Byers Lobby)
- 5:30 p.m: City of Sandy Springs & Namari Dance Production (Byers Theatre)
Outdoor Celebration
City Green, 5 - 8 p.m.
The outdoor celebration will include a range of interactive and educational activities. Explore City Green to discover:
🔍 NEW Juneteenth Scavenger Hunt
🗺️ Genealogical Research Exhibit, in partnership with Family Search and the Metro Atlanta Chapter of the Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society
🪘 West African Community Drum Circle - Join Djoli Kelen for an energizing and joyful Community Drum Circle at the Sandy Springs Juneteenth Celebration! All are welcome to bring drums, shakers, tambourines, or any percussion instrument to join in this vibrant, rhythmic celebration of freedom, unity, and culture. Whether you're a seasoned drummer or just want to feel the beat, come connect, move, and make music together in the spirit of Juneteenth!
🎵 Live entertainment
🍔 Food Trucks & Local Vendors
🖌️ Arts & crafts, games, and more
STEAM Digital Art Exhibition
Byers Lobby, 5 - 8 p.m.
Created through LIQUID Arts and Productions' STEAM program, this exhibition will feature immersive digital and augmented reality artworks by local students. This year's artwork responds to the question, "How does knowing history shape our path to peace and harmony?"
Nationally acclaimed, multidisciplinary artist PeQue is proud to again partner with the City of Sandy Springs to host a special Digital Art Program that honors freedom, culture, and creativity. This innovative program invites students, eighth grade through high school, to learn:
- Digital Drawing & Painting (Procreate)
- Animation (Procreate Dreams)
- Augmented Reality & Digital Art Careers
- Live Art & Juneteenth Exhibition Curation
- The History & Legacy of Juneteenth
PeQue says, "Together, we're cultivating the next generation of artists and changemakers—empowered to express, reflect, and inspire through digital art."
Theatre Production - "Imani"
Byers Theatre, Show begins at 5:30 p.m.
Namari Dance Center’s professional artists and students present "IMANI"
"IMANI" — the Swahili word for faith — is a powerful and emotionally charged production that tells the story of how the spiritual faith of enslaved Africans sustained them through bondage and ultimately carried them into the joy of freedom on June 19, 1865. Through a blend of three dynamic dance pieces, two vocalists, a live painter whose work evolves throughout the show, a stirring choir, and a powerful spoken word poet, the production takes the audience on a journey from the darkness of enslavement to the celebration of freedom.
The faith that gives strength in bondage becomes the foundation for joy and celebration when freedom finally arrives. "IMANI" honors the resilience, strength, and unity that made freedom possible and reflects how that faith continues to uplift future generations.
JUNE 21:
The Johns Creek Juneteenth Event is a celebration of the day that slavery truly came to end within the United States of America, and the City of Johns Creek wants to join with the community to celebrate this great achievement.
The Juneteenth Celebration in Newtown Park on Saturday, June 21 from 5 until 9PM, will feature food, activities, performances, fun, and so much more!
FOOD TRUCKS: South of Philly, Hungry Hippo Eats, Windell’s Seafood, Eggroll Boyz, Dreamin’ Sweets and Kona Ice
ENTERTAINMENT: The event will be emceed by Eryn Rodgers
- 5 p.m. – National Anthems by Brianna Yancey and Mikaela Ayira
- 5:30 p.m. – Wonders of Worship Youth Choir
- 6:15 p.m. – Guest Speakers
- 6:30 p.m. – Karla Harris Quartet
- 7:45 p.m. – Okorie “OkCello” Johnson
Click HERE to see a list of many more celebrations around the greater Atlanta area.
CELEBRATE AT HOME: |
A good way to explain the meaning of Juneteenth to children is to talk about the importance of human beings having a level of freedom in their day to day lives. There are many ways to celebrate and bring awareness of Juneteenth to your family.
I've included information below on local and virtual events, books, videos, resources to learn more along with recipes so your family can join in the celebration of this important holiday celebrating freedom and commemorating these historic events.
1. PREPARE A SPECIAL MEAL:
Coming together as a family for a special meal and discussion is a good way to celebrate Juneteenth, especially if young kids are involved. This is a great way to explain the importance and meaning of the holiday while encouraging healthy self-reflection techniques.
Need some ideas on traditional Juneteenth foods?
68 Recipes From Black Creators to Celebrate Juneteenth
Juneteenth Food And Drink Is Red For A Reason
Macaroni KID Cooks - Ice Cold Summer Treat Watermelon Granita
Macaroni KID - Watermelon Ice Pops
2. LEARN:
As you explore different ways to bring awareness about Juneteenth, be sure to watch or read material before you introduce it to your child to make sure it makes sense on their level.
Learn about the holiday's meaning
Here's a catchy kid-friendly song from Sesame Street that explains Juneteenth:
Other Resources:
- Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
- African American History Museum’s website
- History Channel - What is Juneteenth
- PBS - What is Juneteenth
- 10 Facts about Juneteenth
- Emancipation Park Conservancy #WEAREJUNETEENTH
- The National Museum of African American History and Culture is the only national museum devoted exclusively to the documentation of African American life, history, and culture. To date, the Museum has collected more than 36,000 artifacts and nearly 100,000 individuals have become members.
- The Freedmen’s Bureau Project is helping African Americans reconnect with their Civil War-era ancestors, discover your roots, and begin building your own family tree.
Books for Kids:
For younger kids, try books like "Juneteenth for Mazie", about a little girl who is upset about restrictions like bedtime (see the Read Aloud video below); and "All Different Now," the story of the day freedom arrived in Texas from a little girl's perspective and Juneteenth Jamboree is another.
Colors of Us website shared: 14 Children’s Books celebrating Juneteenth for Elementary School, Middle and High School and Juneteenth Activity Books.
3. DRAW:
Have children create a drawing of what freedom and kindness looks like for them.
Similar to other holidays like July 4th and Memorial Day, Juneteenth is an important day in American history. Freedom is an important part of our history.
No matter where you celebrate, have a Happy Juneteenth!!
