What is Juneteenth? The holiday’s history and significance, explained.
Here’s why this once local celebration is significant to U.S. history.
Juneteenth – short for “June nineteenth” – is an annual federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. The history of the holiday dates back to June 19, 1865, when federal soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas to ensure slaves were freed in accordance with the Emancipation Proclamation.
Here’s a guide to some of the Juneteenth celebrations across Brevard. Event details are subject to change, so we encourage you to check with presenting organizations about the status of their events.
Juneteenth arts and cultural celebration in Cocoa
The City of Cocoa hosts the Juneteenth arts and cultural celebration at Riverfront Park, 401 River Edge Blvd., Cocoa, on Saturday, June 14 from 2 to 7 p.m. There will be live entertainment, food trucks, a kids zone, arts and crafts, vendors and more. Admission is free. Call 321-614-1286, email juneteenth@brevardweedandseed.org or visit facebook.com/CityofCocoa.
‘Before Juneteenth’ mini documentary presentation in Mims
The Harry T. Moore Cultural Center and Museum, 2180 Freedom Ave., Mims, will host a cultural and educational experience on Saturday, June 14 from 2 to 6 p.m. The mini documentary “Before Juneteenth: Florida’s Emancipations” will be shown and refreshments will be served. Admission is free. Visit harryharriettemoore.org.
‘Joy is Resistance’ Juneteenth celebration in Melbourne
Onyx Gifts & Books, 827 E. Strawbridge Ave., Melbourne, hosts the event on Thursday, June 19 at 5 p.m. It will include storytelling, reflection, featured readings from Black writers and music that celebrates freedom. The event will also support the Little Black Book Drive, a community effort to get more children’s books by Black authors into local classrooms and homes. Admission is free. Visit facebook.com/onyx.giftsandbooks.
Juneteenth Celebration in Mims
The Harry T. Moore Cultural Center and Museum, 2180 Freedom Ave., Mims, will host its annual Juneteenth celebration on Saturday, June 21 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. This family-friendly event will commemorate the end of slavery and honor those who have inspired hope for the future. The day will be filled with activities including live musical performances, entertainment, fun games for all ages and a variety of delicious offerings from food trucks. The event may be rescheduled or canceled in the event of severe weather conditions or other unforeseen circumstances. Admission is free. Call 321-264-6595 or visit brevardfl.gov.
Little Black Book Drive
The Little Black Book Drive will distribute free books to area youth this Juneteenth to further the study of Black history, STEM fields and Black literature. The Little Black Book Drive will distribute free books at the Juneteenth events at Cocoa Riverfront Park, 401 Riveredge Blvd. on June 14, and at the Moore Cultural Center, 2180 Freedom Ave., Mims on June 21. Children and youth must be present to select their own books. Call 321-917-4641 or visit facebook.com/groups/475375257587772.
Christina LaFortune is the Entertainment and TGIF Editor at FLORIDA TODAY. Follow her on Facebook at facebook.com/christinalafortune or send her an email at clafortune@floridatoday.com.
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