Juneteenth may be the country’s newest federal holiday.
But the celebration has a long and important history to tell — one that comes into stark focus this weekend.
Juneteenth is the oldest national commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. The genesis came on June 19, 1865, when word of the Emancipation Proclamation reached African-American slaves living in Galveston, Texas. Starting in 2021, June 19 was officially recognized as a federal holiday.
To help celebrate, events are planned throughout Johnson County and central Indiana. Local residents will have plenty of opportunities to recognize the significance of Juneteenth, as well as to educate themselves and others on the work that still needs to be done for equality.
Juneteenth Foodways Festival
Details: 4:30 p.m. Friday, Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site, 1230 N. Delaware St., Indianapolis
What: The culinary contributions of the Black community are among the most rich aspects of American culture. Indulge in the many delicious aspects of that culture during this special event at the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site. People can learn about renowned Black caterer and chef Dolly Johnson, who Harrison appointed as the first Black chef in the White House when he took office in 1889. Sample a wide array of Indianapolis’ most delectably diverse foods, browse the unique offerings of retail partners, explore the story of Johnson with reenactments from Freetown Village and taste Johnson’s recipes with cooking demonstrations from Second Helpings. General admission is free, with tickets available at benjaminharrisonpresidentialsi.ticketspice.com/juneteenth-foodways-festival.
Juneteenth Festival and Parade
Details: 10 a.m. Saturday for the parade, noon to 6 p.m. for the festival, Military Park, 601 W. New York St., Indianapolis
What: Organized by Indy Juneteenth Inc., celebrations recognizing the holiday have been held across the city since 2016. This year’s festival will include live music, food trucks, DJs, games and education stations. The parade kicks off the festivities, led by the Honorable Geoffrey A. Gaither as grand marshal. The celebration continues during the festival featuring live music from DJ Mary Jane. Other performers include Kut Klose, Deaon Forever, Kenney Garmon, Remington Hill and more.
Juneteenth at the Indiana State Museum
Details: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Indiana State Museum, 650 W. Washington St., Indianapolis; free admission
What: The Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites will offer free admission and special activities all day long in celebration of Juneteenth. Activities will center around the theme “History, Health and the Arts.” Visitors can chat with museum curators and get up close with amazing artifacts that share the stories of Indiana’s past. Community partners, like IU Pediatrics and Growing Places Indy, will engage families in fun activities designed to help them get active and stay healthy. Hands-on creation activities and a collaborative community mural will encourage children to bring out their inner artist.
People can check out live performances by Asante Art Institute, Epiphany Dance Collective and Elijah Stephens (22Starving Artists Drum Circle), and can see the new documentary “Major Taylor: Champion of the Race.
Epiphany Dance Collective
Details: 1-1:45 p.m. Saturday, Clark Pleasant branch of the Johnson County Public Library, 350 Clearwater Blvd., Whiteland
What: A dynamic group of adult and teen performers, Epiphany Dance Collective is an African dance company based in Indianapolis that has been performing since 2010. Their performances aim to entertain, educate and preserves African traditions locally. Join the Clark Pleasant library to watch the bombastic show, and learn about traditional West African culture.
Juneteenth and Jazz Community Celebration
Details: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Juneteenth festivities begin at 11 a.m., Eiteljorg Museum, 500 W. Washington St., Indianapolis; free admission
What: The Eiteljorg has been hosting a Juneteenth celebration every year since 2015, when it recognized the 150th anniversary of the commemoration. This year’s event will blend entertainment with history and art to tell the Juneteenth story. The celebration starts with a welcome from community activist, influencer and college professor Dr. Tammy L. Cooper, member of the Eiteljorg Community Board of Advisors.
Jazz performances by Cassius Goens Quartet and the Rob Dixon Quartet highlight the day, with other performances including “Str8 Up Frederick Douglass” by Asante Art Institute, SITEAW Drum Circle and poetry readings by Patrice Stokes. Visitors can enjoy family-friendly activities such as creating Juneteenth buttons and designing paper fans. Johanna M. Blume, curator of Western art, history and culture, will lead a gallery tour at 10:30 a.m. about African Americans in the West.
Juneteenth Black Heritage Concert
Details: 6-8 p.m. Sunday, VIP event starts at 4 p.m., Indiana Landmarks Center, 1201 Central Ave., Indianapolis
What: Indiana Landmarks Black Heritage Preservation Program presents a special concert highlighting the history of gospel and blues music and its ties to Black faith, hope, and survival. Gospel performers include Ethel McCane, narrator, and musicians Kelly Jo Nibbs, Pastor William Brown, Damon McCane, Henry Carter, Joyce Carter, and Richard Harvey. Blues performers include Kyle Long, narrator, and musicians Scrapper & Skelton, Kenny Dodson, Debbie Nelson, and Tad Robinson. Music Box with Lester Johnson and Ezra Bufford serves as the concert’s featured band.
A VIP pre-concert reception will feature food and drink along with an original multi-media theatrical performance by Bloomington’s Resilience Productions. In “Juneteenth: The Legacy of Opal Lee,” the audience will meet Opal Lee, the grandmother of Juneteenth, as she invites attendees to reflect on the true meaning of Juneteenth and the importance of living a purposeful life.
Tickets are $25, and a cash bar available. VIP tickets cost $50 for the general public. For more information and tickets, go to indianalandmarks.org.
A Celebration of Freedom
Details: 3 p.m. Wednesday, June 19, Trafalgar branch of the Johnson County Public Library, 424 S. Tower Dr.
What: The Johnson County Public Library offers a powerful program appropriate for all ages. The event will involve age appropriate discussions about slavery and racism, including the book “Freedom Over Me” by Ashley Bryan, the Indiana Humanities One State, One Story selection for children. Participants will sing songs together and work on crafts. The event is free, but registration is required and can be made at pageafterpage.org.
