Juneteenth is approaching, offering a time of celebration and the chance to reflect on its historical significance.
Also known as Freedom Day or Juneteenth Independence Day, it has been celebrated for more than 150 years, originating in Texas, a year after enslaved people in Galveston had been informed of their freedom on June 19, 1865. The news that the Civil War had ended and the enslaved were now free came more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on Jan. 1, 1863.
Observance of Juneteenth — which falls on June 19 each year — has continued to grow around the nation and world and became recognized as a U.S. federal holiday in 2021.
And as awareness around Juneteenth builds, so do the opportunities to observe it — bringing together people of all races and backgrounds, while reflecting on the nation’s past and uplifting the Black community.
With several events across Bucks and Montgomery counties honoring Juneteenth, here’s how you can take part:
Music of the Underground Railroad, Schwenksville
Musician and historian Jon Becton will present an all-ages show with stories and music from the Underground Railroad. Attendees are welcome to bring their own chairs and blankets.
4th Annual Lower Bucks Juneteenth Celebration, Bristol
This free event, overlooking the Delaware River, features vendors, food, music, live performances and children’s activities, as a celebration of freedom, culture, Black empowerment, and economic advancement.
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Doylestown Juneteenth
This free outdoor event, organized by the nonprofit organization Doylestown Juneteenth in partnership with the Mercer Museum and Fonthill Castle, features speakers, live performances, musicians, a DJ, food trucks, vendors and artisans, family-friendly crafts and activities, and free admission to the Mercer Museum.
5th Annual Juneteenth Cometh, Hatfield
Join the Black Business Association as they host their 5th annual Juneteenth celebration with music, food, games, crafts and more.
YMCA Juneteenth Celebration, Willow Grove
Join the Willow Grove YMCA and Greater Philadelphia YMCA for a celebration in honor of Juneteenth, filled with family-friendly games, music, entertainment, food, local vendors and more.
Juneteenth Jubilee Street Festival, Norristown
This annual street festival is a celebration of heritage and community with live entertainment, music, vendors, food, drink, art show, kids zone and a living history reenactment.
- When: Wednesday, June 19 from noon to 6 p.m.
- Where: Dekalb and Main streets in Norristown
- More info: norristown.org/calendar
Juneteenth Festival at Mayors Park, Langhorne
Join the African American Museum of Bucks County for its inaugural Juneteenth Festival featuring live music, educational speakers, children’s activities, vendors, food trucks and more. The event is free and open to the public.
- When: Saturday, June 22 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Where: 215 E. Richardson Ave., Langhorne
- More info: aamuseumbucks.org/events
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Juneteenth Lecture and Concert, Washington Crossing
Washington Crossing Historic Park will host free Juneteenth activities throughout the day, starting with a lecture at 3 p.m. in the park’s visitor center auditorium. Reenactor and first-person historian Noah Lewis will highlight the experience of Black soldiers during the American Revolution, and Sgt Algernon Ward Jr., a historical reenactor and portrayer of President of the 6th Regiment United States Colored Troops, who will present the contributions of Black soldiers during the Civil War.
At 5 p.m., The Quake Band will perform a free outdoor concert on the park’s riverbank. Attendees are welcome to bring their own chairs and blankets.
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Reporter Michele Haddon covers local news, small business, economic development, community revitalization, art and culture for The Intelligencer and Bucks County Courier Times at PhillyBurbs.com. Please considering supporting local journalism with a subscription.
