Juneteenth, a federal and state holiday, is celebrated as America’s second Independence Day.
While slavery ended for some with the President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation of 1863, the news didn’t reach enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, until Union soldiers arrived and announced the end of the Civil War and slavery on June 19, 1865. Slavery across the United States was formally abolished with the 13th Amendment at the end of 1865.
June 19, or Juneteenth, was originally celebrated in Texas as the anniversary of the end of slavery. Celebrations then spread across the country.
Several Juneteenth activities will be held in Hampton Roads in the days leading up to and shortly after the holiday. Schedules are subject to change, so check before you go.
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“America’s Inconvenient Truths: Remembering the Transatlantic Trade in a Time of Erasure.” 7 to 8 p.m. Monday. Chadra Pittman, founder and executive director of The Sankofa Projects, lectures on the critical periods in American history that have influenced the current political landscape and shaped America’s dominant culture. Hampton History Museum, 120 Old Hampton Lane, Hampton. Free. hamptonhistorymuseum.org
“Glory.” 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. June 12. A special viewing of the award-winning historical drama that tells the story of the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, the first African American regiment in the Union Army during the Civil War. For ages 18 and up. Light refreshments. Registration not required. 110 Main St., Newport News. Free. visitnewportnews.com
“Prelude to Freedom: The Contraband Slaves Story.” 7 p.m. June 13, 2 and 7 p.m. June 14. The Contraband Historical Society partners with Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center to present a musical drama with original composition about the liberation of “freedom’s first generation.” 2410 Wickham Ave., Newport News. Free. tinyurl.com/ContrabandStory
International Day of Remembrance ceremony. 11 a.m. June 14. The Sankofa Projects hosts its 14th annual International Day of Remembrance honoring African men, women and children who died during the Middle Passage of the transatlantic slave trade. Includes a walk around the Tree of Remembrance, a procession to the water, poetry, drumming, and traditional songs and theatrical performances. Outlook Beach, Fort Monroe National Monument. Free. hamptonhistorymuseum.org
Juneteenth Norfolk. Noon to 10 p.m. June 14. The city is hosting live music performances starting at 3 p.m. and fireworks at 9:30. Free. Town Point Park, Norfolk. festevents.org
Juneteenth festival. 2 to 8 p.m. June 14. The city of Portsmouth and the Urban League of Hampton Roads are hosting a day of live music, food, art and vendors. Festival Park, 16 Crawford Circle, Portsmouth. Free. ulhr.org/juneteenth/
“A Juneteenth Pageant: The Play.” 3 and 7:30 p.m. June 14. Hampton Arts is hosting a play written and directed by Marie St. Clair that aims to show the true meaning of Juneteenth in a moving and often humorous experience. $12.20. hamptonarts.org
Juneteenth sunrise service. 6 a.m. June 15. Colonial Williamsburg’s Juneteenth celebration kicks off under the Compton Oak in the heart of the Historic Area. The service features a keynote address from Daniel Black, novelist, professor and public speaker. colonialwilliamsburg.org
Juneteenth Freedom Fest. 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. June 15. Celebrate Healthcare is hosting performers including singer Brian Darden, or BD.ii, who is a contestant on “The Voice.” The event includes kids’ activities and information about health insurance and family resources. Mill Point Park, 100 Eaton St., Hampton. Free. bit.ly/peninsulajuneteenth4
Juneteenth celebration. 3 to 8 p.m. June 15. York County is hosting a DJ, a live performance from local band Slapnation and a screening of “The Little Mermaid,” along with family activities and food trucks. Bring your lawn chairs or blankets. McReynolds Athletic Complex, 412 Sports Way, Yorktown. visityorktown.org
Juneteenth Raising of the Flag ceremony, 10 a.m. June 16. The city of Newport News is raising a Juneteenth flag to fly until sunset on June 19. City Hall, 2400 Washington Ave., Newport News. Free. visitnewportnews.com
“Ancestral Artistry.” 7 p.m. June 17. Colonial Williamsburg is showing “Ancestral Artistry: The Influence of Africans & Creoles of Color on Louisiana Architecture,” a documentary that examines the architectural legacy that began 300 years ago with the arrival of enslaved Africans. A panel discussion follows. Kimball Theatre, 428 W. Duke of Gloucester St., Williamsburg. Free. colonialwilliamsburg.org.
Drum, Artz, & Yoga, 6 p.m. June 18. The city of Newport News is hosting an evening of rhythms and movements of West Africa for all ages. Pearl Bailey Library, 2510 Wickham Ave., Newport News. Free. visitnewportnews.com.
Colonial Williamsburg. June 19. The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation is offering free admission to the Historic Area, coinciding with the opening of the restored Williamsburg Bray School building, one of the earliest North American institutions in which Black children were formally educated. colonialwilliamsburg.org
Riding Transit Free on Juneteenth. Hampton Roads Transit buses, light rail, ferry, paratransit and OnDemand ridesharing will be free on June 19. gohrt.com.
African Baptist Meeting House groundbreaking. 9 a.m. June 19. Colonial Williamsburg is hosting a groundbreaking ceremony featuring music by the Descendant Children’s Choir and the Historic First Baptist Church Choir along with reflections from members of the descendant community. The site was the original permanent location of The Historic First Baptist Church, one of the earliest African American congregations in the United States. 105 S. Nassau St., Williamsburg. Free. colonialwilliamsburg.org
Juneteenth Beach Party. Noon to 5 p.m. June 19. The Virginia Black Film Festival is hosting a fun way to honor the holiday with music, fellowship and sunshine. Paradise Ocean Club, 490 Fenwick Road, Hampton. Free.
Road to Freedom Tour. 1, 3 and 5 p.m. June 19. The Fort Monroe Authority organized 45-minute guided walking tours to follow in the footsteps of the freedom seekers whose actions led to the landmark 1861 contraband decision, with which the fort’s Union general declared fugitive slaves contraband of war and thus free. The tour includes stops inside buildings and within the historic Fort Monroe walls. Fort Monroe Visitor & Education Center, 30 Ingalls Road, Hampton. Free. tinyurl.com/WalkRoad
Juneteenth concert. 6 to 8 p.m. June 19. The city of Hampton, the Fort Monroe Authority and the Virginia Black Film Festival are hosting live performances and a cultural celebration. Continental Park at Fort Monroe, 4 Fenwick Road, Hampton. Free.
Virginia Black Film Festival. 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. June 19-22. The Virginia Black Film Festival is organizing screenings and panel discussions to celebrate Black stories with more than 60 films in competition and accomplished guest speakers. The American Theatre, 125 E. Mellen St., Hampton. Tickets start at $30. virginiablackfilmfestival.com
Juneteenth at the Beach, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. June 19-22. The L.A.M.B.S. Foundation, with the city of Virginia Beach, is hosting a four-day celebration honoring African American history, culture and progress. The event includes live music, cultural exhibits and panel discussions highlighting Black history and achievement, a marketplace showcasing Black-owned businesses and entrepreneurs, and family-friendly activities. 24th Street stage and park, 2405 Atlantic Ave., Virginia Beach. Free. juneteenthatb.com
ViBe Celebrating Juneteenth. 9 a.m. to noon June 21. The Virginia African American Cultural Center, the ViBe Creative District and Virginia Beach Globally Inspired Gatherings are hosting live music by Maxmillion and Duane Smith (from the Fuzz Band) with the Virginia Jazz Experiment. The concert is during the ViBe’s Art & Eco Market. Cypress Avenue and 19th Street, Virginia Beach.
Free. culture.virginiabeach.gov/710/1159
Juneteenth Freedom Festival. 3 to 8 p.m. June 21. Celebrate African American culture and history with music by DJ Eroc, spoken word artists and line dancing. Musical performances include Dru Hill, Jazze Pha, Sammie and 702. Food, beverage and crafts vendors. Victory Landing Park, 50 26th St., Newport News. nnparksandrec.org
Hampton Roads Black Business Expo. June 21-22. The Virginia Black Film Festival and Buy Black Hampton Roads present the Hampton Roads Black Business Expo of Black businesses and filmmakers. The American Theatre, 125 E. Mellen St., Hampton. Free. buyblackhamptonroads.com
African American Music Month celebration. 2 p.m. June 28. Virginia Beach History Museums is organizing a performance of Mosaic Steel Youth Orchestra and headlining jazz-funk band Plunky & Oneness. Brief intermission included. Virginia Wesleyan University, Susan S. Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center, 5817 Wesleyan Drive, Virginia Beach. $5-$10. culture.virginiabeach.gov/1160
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