
What is Juneteenth? Holiday celebrates end of American slavery in Texas
Juneteenth celebrates the Emancipation Proclamation, but the Emancipation Proclamation didn’t apply to all states in the USA. The 13th Amendment brought an end to slavery.
USA TODAY, Wochit
- Alabama officially recognizes Juneteenth as a state holiday, prompting statewide celebrations.
- Multiple events are planned throughout the state, including a free celebration at the Rosa Parks Museum, concerts, and a parade.
- The Equal Justice Initiative offers free admission to its Legacy Museum, National Memorial for Peace and Justice, and Freedom Monument Sculpture Park on Juneteenth.
- Festivities extend beyond Montgomery to other areas like Prattville with parades and celebrations in North Highland Park.
Juneteenth was already a federal holiday to commemorate the end of slavery in the United States. Now that Juneteenth is also an official state holiday for Alabama, there’s all the more reason to celebrate in 2025.
Juneteenth at Rosa Parks Museum
- When: June 14, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
- Where: Troy University’s Rosa Parks Museum, 252 Montgomery St., Montgomery
- Entertainment Lineup: Trina Spackman and Anthony Ezell at 11:10 a.m., Different Flavors of Dance (DFOD) at 11:30 a.m., Timikel Sharpe at noon, Ava Keith at 12:25 p.m., Tahj Jordan at 12:30 p.m., Walt Lyon at 1 p.m., and Tavon Rampersant at 1:30 p.m. Headliner is 3rd Generation performing at 3 p.m. Music all day by DJ at Large. Hosted by Comedienne Joy.
- Things to do: Explore the historic 1950s Montgomery city bus and 1960s Freedom Rides Greyhound bus. Free admission to the Rosa Parks Museum and Children’s Wing. Food, merchandise, and service vendors on site. A kids’ area packed with games, crafts, and glitter tattoos.
- Cost: Free to attend
Yolanda Adams and Donald Lawrence & Company
- When: June 18, 7:30 p.m.
- Where: Montgomery Performing Arts Centre
- About the event: This is an EJI Juneteenth Celebration. Grammy-winning artist Yolanda Adams, whose album “Sunny Days” released last year, will be joined by Donald Lawrence & Company.
- Tickets: Tickets listed for $10-$25 at MPAC, but may be higher on Tiketmaster
- Online: mpaconline.org
Legacy sites open for Juneteenth
Juneteenth River Jam
- When: June 19, Cruise offerings 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m., 5 p.m., and 7 p.m.
- Where: Riverfront Park, Montgomery
- Info: Hop aboard the Sip-n-Cycle Pedal Cruise for a Juneteenth River Jam party. The 20-passenger pedal cruise offers a BYOB (Bring Your Own Beverage) experience. It combines celebration, music, and the beautiful river views of Montgomery.
EJI’s Juneteenth — A Night of Jazz
- When: June 19, 7:30 p.m
- Where: EJI’s Peace and Justice Memorial Center
- About the event: This Juneteenth celebration from EJI features Grammy Award-winning artists Terence Blanchard and Cecile McLorin Salvant.
- Tickets: $20 (limit of 4 per customer)
- Online: eji.org
iHeart Media’s Mic Check: Juneteenth!
- When: June 19, 7-10 p.m.
- Where: B.B. King’s Blues Club, 1801 Eddie L Tullis Road, Montgomery (inside Wind Greek Montgomery)
- Info: A night of culture, competition, and live music for Juneteenth with delicious food. The Juneteenth lineup features high-energy performances, soulful vibes and a lively atmosphere.
Juneteenth Celebration at B.B. King’s
When: June 20, 7 p.m.
Where: B.B. King’s Blues Club, 1801 Eddie L Tullis Road, Montgomery (inside Wind Creek Montgomery)
Info: Live music, comedy, and vibrant cultural vibes. Norris Dates & Mo’ Elements will blend soul, funk, and rhythm. Hosting the evening is the hilarious Jay R. Brown, keeping the laughs coming, while DJ Hase of Spades keeps the energy high and the dance floor alive.
For the Culture Juneteenth Dance Fitness Party
- When: June 20, 7 p.m.
- Where: The Sanctuary, 432 S. Goldthwaite St., Montgomery
- Info: A 90 minute dance fitness party celebrating freedom and culture. Enjoy the sounds of Afrobeat, Hip-Hop, Soca, Dancehall, and more.
- Cost: $17.85
- Tickets: eventbrite.com
Autauga County Juneteenth Parade Celebration
- When: June 21, 3-7 p.m.
- Paarade: Parade starts 3 p.m. at Prattville Junior High, 1089 Martin Luther King Drive, Prattville
- Celebration: 4-7 p.m. at North Highland Park, 122 Cone St., Prattville.
- Info: Music, food, prizes and games.
Juneteenth Makossa
- When: June 21, 8 p.m.
- Where: The Sanctuary, 432 S. Goldthwaite St., Montgomery
- Info: Celebrate Juneteenth with 7053 Electric. Featuring DJs Henngod and Clemanzo. BYOB and outswide food is welcome. Security will be present.
- Cost: $10 cover
Montgomery Advertiser reporter Shannon Heupel covers things to do in the River Region. Contact him at sheupel@gannett.com
Check out was real simple, can't wait for the tote bag