OKC rapper and activist Jabee talks about the importance of Juneteenth
The entertainer and businessman helped start and continues to spearhead OKC’s fourth annual multi-day celebration Juneteenth on the East.
Juneteenth is often referred to as the nation’s “Second Independence Day,” and communities nationwide celebrate with block parties, educational events and parades.
The federal holiday takes place every year on June 19, which this year falls on a Thursday. While the holiday became a federal holiday in 2021, it has been celebrated since 1865 in Galveston, Texas. Because it is a federal holiday, many offices and services will be closed.
Events throughout the state will take place on Thursday, June 19, with many continuing the fun into the weekend and celebrating until even a week later.
Whether you’re looking for education on the holiday or just ways to celebrate with music and a cookout, here are a few events to attend:
Juneteenth events in Oklahoma
Juneteenth on the East – Oklahoma City
This Juneteenth, Rapper BIG K.R.I.T. will headline OKC’s Juneteenth on the East, which will be the event’s fifth year.
The festival will feature events from Thursday, June 19 through Saturday, June 21, on NE 23rd Street, from N. Kelham Avenue to N. Hood Street.
Events begin Thursday with a Black Creativity Panel + Fashion Showcase from 4-9 p.m. at Innovation Hall, where panelists will discuss what it means to occupy the space as a Black creative.
On Friday, runners and walkers of all backgrounds are invited to enjoy the 5K Run/Walk. The race, which accepts sign-ups until the event starts at 7 p.m., is a free 5K where participants can run, walk or compete in a pushchair for people in wheelchairs. The route goes through the 23rd Street East community neighborhoods.
On Saturday, the main festival starts at 3 p.m., with vendors and live music throughout the day.
Tulsa Juneteenth Festival
Starting on June 12, the home of Black Wall Street will begin a week-long celebration with outdoor movies, a fashion show, a block party, a 5K and much more.
The festival is jam-packed with live music from the Oakland-based band Rose Royce and the Dayton, Ohio band Original Lakeside on Saturday, June 21. Both R&B bands will perform on Saturday’s main stage on the Historic Greenwood Lawn.
Some events do require registration or tickets, which can be purchased at tulsasuneteenth.org.
June 19: Oklahoma History Center Museum
The Oklahoma Historical Society is hosting “Black Lawmen in Indian Territory” to educate the community about notable Black lawmen, such as U.S. Marshal Bass Reeves.
At the event, guests will see reenactors Oscar and Shiron Ray give a presentation on Reeves’ story, as well as author Art T. Burton present on the experiences of Black law enforcement officers during that time.
Burton is an award-winning writer of several books, including “Black, Red and Deadly: Black and Indian Gunfighters of the Indian Territory, 1870-1907.” The event starts at 5:30 p.m.
June 21: Juneteenth at Clearview Gym
If you want a blend of education, a cookout and trivia, then head to Clearview, Oklahoma, on Saturday, June 21. “Planning Today for Tomorrow” will take place at 112 W. Douglas Ave from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The event will feature three educational lessons on genealogy, will-making, and funeral planning, as well as food trivia and music throughout.
June 28: Juneteenth Festival in Boley
The historic Black town of Boley is hosting the Black Towns Rhythm & Blues Juneteenth Festival with a live performance from Charlie Redd.
The festival, which begins at 6 p.m. on June 28, will also celebrate the legacy of Juneteenth and the significance of the remaining all-Black towns in Oklahoma and nationwide. There will be food and educational activities available for enjoyment.
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