The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute is partnering with several organizations to commemorate the 260-year anniversary of Juneteenth.
Juneteenth, officially recognized as a federal holiday in 2021, commemorates the lives of the ending of slavery in the United States.
The holiday recognizes June, 19, 1865 when slaves in Galveston Texas were notified of their freedom with the announcement of the Emancipation Proclamation, nearly two and a half years after it was issued.
The BCRI is partnering with UAB Live HealthSmart & Jones Valley Teaching Farm to kickoff Juneteenth celebrations on Saturday, June 14, where they will host free health screenings and provide wellness resources. In addition, local farmers will lead hands-on workshops centered on seed planting, food justice, and small farming. The event will take place from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm.
On Thursday, June 19, the BCRI is hosting “Freedom Day”, where visitors will have a chance to explore their historic Civil Rights galleries from 11:00 am – 5:00 pm. Admission is free.
In addition, several activities will take place throughout the day, including:
- Juneteenth: Why We Celebrate with historian, Barry McNealy
- A Community Village with community and cultural partners
- BCRI Kids’ Zone with hands-on S.T.R.E.A.M. activities
- Food Trucks with delicious local flavors
- Live Broadcast by 98.7 KISS FM & 95.7 JAMZ
- Mural Painting w/ Studio 2500
- K.R.U. Hip Hop
- Line Dancing w/ Ebony Arrington‘s “Slide Tribe” & DJ Vegas
For more information on Freedom Day, you can visit the BCRI website.
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