Juneteenth, also known as Emancipation Day, occurs annually on June 19. It is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of ending slavery in the United States.
Juneteenth commemorates the anniversary of June 19, 1865, when Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger led soldiers to Galveston, Texas, to deliver General Order No. 3. This message stated that the war was over, the Union had won, and it had the manpower to enforce the end of slavery.
The announcement came two months after the effective conclusion of the Civil War and more than two years since President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation.
This is why we celebrate Juneteenth, which honors the day all enslaved were legally freed.
Events
Juneteenth Jubilee
Presented by African Cemetery No. 2
African Cemetery No. 2, 419 East Seventh St.
Saturday, June 15, 2024 | 7 – 8:30 p.m.
The 19th annual celebration highlights the spirit of freedom and honors the Civil War soldiers who fought for that freedom.
Soulteenth Fest
Presented by SoulFeast Week
Moondance Amphitheater, 1152 Monarch St.
Saturday, June 15, 2024 | noon – 6 p.m.
Celebrate black liberation and ingenuity through music, art, agriculture and food.
Juneteenth Freedom Day
Presented by Wise Guys Barbershop & Georgetown St. Neighborhood Area Association
Douglass Park, 726 Georgetown St.
Sunday, June 16, 2024 | 2 – 8 p.m.
A community celebration to bring awareness to culture, history, equality, and peace to the neighborhood through food, music and kid's activities.
“A Sense of Place”
Cadentown Missionary Baptist Church, 2950 Cadentown Road
Wednesday, June 19 | 11 a.m.
Juneteenth celebration in a historic Black hamlet.
Juneteenth Independence Day Celebration
Presented by the Lyric Theatre & Cultural Arts Center
Lyric Theatre & Cultural Arts Center, 300 East Third St.
Wednesday, June 19, 2024 | Doors open at 6 p.m.
Celebrating African American independence and artistic expression through live performances ranging from jazz, hip-hop, line dancing, spoken word and opera.
Juneteenth Celebration
Presented by Kentucky U.S. Freedmen Coalition
Charles Young Park, 215 Midland Ave.
Saturday, June 22, 2024 | 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Entertainment, food, information booths, vendors, and community fellowship celebrating black American liberation.