Experience June in these cities that celebrate history and culture

On June 19, 1865, Union forces arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced the end of slavery to more than 250,000 still enslaved blacks. This announcement comes almost two years after former President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Declaration on January 1, 1863.

As the westernmost Confederate state, Texas still maintains a hub for institutional slavery, demanding the physical presence of Union soldiers to implement liberation. Galveston was their last stop, where they declared freedom at a declining moment in history.

That day came to be called Junior, Porte Manteau of the Moon and the Day.
However, June was sometimes called America's Second Independence Day, but it did not mark an easy path to complete freedom.

Slavery was not officially abolished until the 13th Amendment was ratified on December 6, 1865, and “neither slavery nor involuntary slavery was declared unless the party was officially found guilty, nor slavery was declared either in the United States or in a place subject to jurisdiction.”

Since its inception, the June celebration has been curated by members of the Black community with the aim of a deeper understanding of the historical significance of the date.

The first June, or “Jubiley,” is believed to have been held in Galveston in 1866 in honor of the first announcement in 1865. Throughout Jim Crow and the civil rights era, the June celebration continued despite dangerous and restrictive conditions. The separation law prohibits African Americans from holding large gatherings.

Instead, people gather at churches to host sermons focused on the importance of holidays and intimate house parties where community mobilization and progress were key topics in discussion. Today, these celebrations have evolved to include a wide range of educational events, programs, community gatherings and concerts.

June 2021 was designated as an official federal public holiday. National awareness not only increased support and participation in the June event, but also confirmed the contribution and struggle of African Americans throughout US history.
Holidays remain nationally recognized, but inadequate education, investment, political polarization and cultural sectors are now threatening its legacy. Still, many cities continue to live it with meaningful celebrations.

There are several June celebrations across the country that celebrate the true meaning of the day.

Oakland will celebrate June on June 19th at the Hera Junior Festival at the Oakland Museum in California from 12pm to 5pm. Participants can also explore the markets of black-owned vendors, enjoy family-friendly lawn games, or opt for a VIP experience with exclusive drink tasting and premium access.

Experience the historic gallery of the Birmingham Institute of Civil Rights and get free admission all day in June, provided with a spirit of freedom and reflection. Explore a powerful exhibit that shares the stories of those who fought for civil rights and the legacy that continues today. Enjoy special activities all day long, including educational seminars with local historians, children's zones with hands-on stream activities, and food trucks offering delicious local flavours. Guests can also participate in the murals with local artists and studios and participate in line dances during live broadcasts from the city's largest radio station.

Birmingham also welcomes guests to Rickwoodfield. Rickwoodfield will be holding the 2025 East and West Classic. This is a special June event featuring MLB legends such as CC Sabathia, Ryan Howard and Adam Jones. Rickwoodfield was home to Birmingham Black Baron, the oldest professional baseball stadium in the United States and one of the original Black Southern League teams.

Cincinnati's annual citywide June celebration reflects the city's deep commitment to celebrating the holidays. The 38th Juntenten Festival held in Eden Park, a parade of flags representing the African diaspora, two stages of live music such as blues, jazz and R&B, children's activities, historical reenactments, art, health screenings, and diverse food items. On June 19th, the National Underground Railroad Freedom Centre hosted the June Jubilee, offering live performances, community markets, food trucks and free museum admission. On June 21, the city's largest June block party will return to the bank, featuring a homecoming experience celebrating black fraternities and female students.

Tulsa, Oklahoma, transforms the historic Greenwood district, a dormitory on Blackwall Street. It transforms into a multi-day festival that celebrates junior festivals with the theme of “family reunion” that celebrates freedom, unity and community heritage. The event will include 1 mile and 5k run/walk through Greenwood's iconic streets, various family-friendly activities, live music, cultural performances and storytelling celebrating North Tulsa's resilient spirit. In keeping with the Blackwall Street spirit, event participants can take part in a panel discussion on real estate investment, learn about programs to support first-time home buyers, and enjoy a networking brunch to become entrepreneurs.

In June 2025, Milwaukee's depiction of over 50,000 people each year, 54 years of history and community pride are proud of events that celebrate progress and celebrate the past. Run by the longtime community organization Northcott Neighborhood House, June 2025 includes the annual Jubilee Parade, live music, dance performances, historic exhibitions and educational workshops. The special opening ceremony features community leaders and approvals from June scholarship recipients like Junior and Junian.

Junetteenth Milwaukee is partnering with SummerFest to invite the community to celebrate music and culture with programming in June. As part of that, the new event, called “A Taste of Junetteent,” will highlight the city's beloved restaurants, including Atwood Highway BBQ Company, Dear Florence Sweets and Glad Kitchen. Live music can be viewed in multiple stages, with dedicated performances by national and local artists such as Gary Clark Jr., Bow Wow and Iree Brothers.

South Carolina's annual Lowcountry June, or J19's Charleston returns to its fifth year of high-flying black culture and unique Gullah Geechee Heritage. Highlights include a lively J19 Week Block Party with music, games and vendors. “Hay Cousin” Lowcountry Jeuhenton Weekend Cookout at the Hanahan Amphitheater offers a “family reunion style” atmosphere with acclaimed native DJ Chuck T, traditional Lowcountry cuisine and live entertainment from community connections. Throughout the week, participants will enjoy educational programs, workshops analyzing Garrjee culture, art exhibits and other performances.

Colombia's long June celebration is a rich blend of music, food, education and community engagement. Festive highlights include the June Gospel Fest at Stevenslake Park and the Junior Journey: Voice-Enhanced Voices in Honoring Survivors event. In June, the city hosts large gatherings, including celebrations and luncheons at Douglas Park and events in the Great Powers Annual June at Cosmo Park, along with cultural programs such as “Let Freedom Ring.” The Como Jun Tenteenten Parade and St. Paul Jun Tenton Legacy Events through downtown mark the end of the June 21st celebration.

Indianapolis, Indiana – Legacy Fest

The historic Madame Walker Legacy Center is the cornerstone of Indianapolis, a June celebration in Indiana. Legacy Fest 2025 celebrates Madame CJ Walker's entrepreneurship and impact with an event focused on enrichment, fundraising, community and empowerment. The festival opens on June 20th with the highly anticipated Legacy Fest perks concert. This serves both as a major cultural event and fundraiser headlined by the legendary Aisle Brothers and supporting the Center's mission in entrepreneurship, education and the arts. On June 21st, the festival continues with a free Legacy Fest Block Party featuring live musical performances, food trucks, local vendors and activities.

Falish June was established to celebrate black culture in the capital. The location of historic Falish Street is important and intentional. Falish was once the second most successful black empowerment district in the country after Harlem and the “black mecca of Mississippi.” Now in its tenth year, Falish June is considered the “grandma” of all the June events in the city, featuring kidzones, live music and over 100 black-owned vendors.

An inspiring tradition begins the festival. In “Announcement to Ancestors,” attendees pour out their liberation and speak their names in honor of those who paved the way for Black Americans. On June 19th, the Mississippi Museum's History Museum and the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum will hold their annual jubilee. Free admission includes a June themed educational guide and tours featuring family-friendly activities such as live performances, line dancing, yard games and children's zones.