Derek Lamar
On June 19, 1865, Union troops marched into Galveston Bay, Texas, to deliver a message of freedom to the people who remained enslaved there … two years after Lincoln delivered The Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863. Today, the federal holiday Juneteenth is celebrated throughout the South with festivals, panels, cook-offs, and more—here are a few of our picks.
Greater Baton Rouge
June 15: Juneteenth Panel at the LSU Museum of Art
The LSU Museum of Art is partnering with the Beta Iota Lambda and Xi Nu Lambda Chapters of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., the oldest African American fraternity, for a panel discussion about the many triumphs of Black Americans in emancipation's wake, titled The Professor, Preacher and Performer: How African Americans Found Liberation Post Emancipation through the Arts, Academics and Religion. Panelists will include Dr. Press Robinson, Luke St. John McKnight, and Rev. Lamar Batiste; Markita Hawkins, Esq. will moderate the discussion. 5 pm pre-reception, 6 pm discussion. Free. lsumoa.org.
June 17: Juneteenth Music Festival
For twenty-seven years now Donaldsonville has celebrated freedom as it's meant to be celebrated—with good food, good music, and good company. This year's lineup includes the Royal Essence Show Band, the Michael Foster Project, Red Tape Musiq, and more. 11 am–7:30 pm at Louisiana Square. Free. Details on the Juneteenth Music Festival-Donaldsonville, Louisiana Facebook page.
Greater New Orleans/River Parishes
June 17: Juneteenth Freedom Festival
The Whitney Plantation Museum in Edgard is commemorating Juneteenth with a family-friendly day of fun that includes free entrance to the museum and self-guided grounds tours, dance lessons with the Neungola Sibo African Dance and Drum Company, Inc. of New Orleans, health screenings, and a delicious conversation with New Orleans-based chef, cookbook author, and cultural ambassador Toya Boudy about the importance food has continued to play for Black families since their first arrival in North America. Vendors from St. John the Baptist and other River Parishes will also be on-site selling artwork, clothing, crafts, jewelry, food, and drinks. 9:30 am–3:30 pm. Free. whitneyplantation.org.
June 18–19: New Orleans Juneteenth Festival
Celebrate emancipation in Louis Armstrong Park during the annual New Orleans Juneteenth Festival, which includes a Freedom Gala on June 18 at 6 pm, plus a full day of artist vendors and panelists, food, music, and more in Congo Square on the big day itself. The festival is organized by the Louisiana Afro-Indigenous Society. 2 pm–7 pm. Free. nolajuneteenthfestival.org.
The Northshore
June 19: Juneteenth Freedom Day Celebration
The Future Leaders of Louisiana are hosting a celebration of freedom downtown Covington this Juneteenth Weekend. It all kicks off with a Freedom Parade through historic downtown at 10 am, starting at Peter Atkins Park, followed by a program and resource fair at Fuhrmann Auditorium. The celebration continues with a program of speakers, spoken word performances, arts and crafts vendors, and a roundtable discussion. Free. Details on the Juneteenth Covington La Facebook Page.
Acadiana
June 17: Juneteenth Folklife Celebration
Join the fun folks of Opelousas for this festival that focuses on the folk art, heritage, and traditions of African Americans on the Cajun prairie. Described as a true celebration of Creole culture, Juneteenth in Opelousas pays tribute to the date in 1865 when Texas slaves first heard news of their emancipation. The event is hosted by Rebecca Henry, artist and owner of the Creole Heritage Folklife Center, and will feature live music and dancing at the Opelousas Farmers Market Pavillion. Free. Noon–5 pm. (337) 945-5064.
Mississippi
June 17: Legends Celebration: A Musical Tribute For Juneteenth
In celebration of Juneteenth, Mayor Dan Gibson and the city of Natchez are hosting a musical performance of R&B, blues, gospel, and jazz at the Natchez City Auditorium. The lineup of performers includes Dorothy Moore, YZ Ealey, Alvin Youngblood Hart, Alvin Shelby and the Legends Celebration Choir, and Ora Reed; and a ribute will be made to victims of the Rhythm Night Club fire tragedy of 1940. 6 pm. $15–$50. bontempstix.com.
Courtney Avery
North Louisiana
June 16–18: Let the Good Times Roll Festival
For the 36th year in a row, Shreveport celebrates the abolition of slavery in the South with its Let the Good Times Roll Festival—a rousing testament to the life and freedom of the city's African American communities today. Presented by Rho Omega & Friends, Inc. in downtown Shreveport's Festival Plaza, the event will bring non-stop live music, arts and crafts vendors, regional food vendors and more. More information at sbfunguide.com.
Cajun Coast
June 16–17: Franklin Soul Food Festival
Head down to the bayou (the bayou side of Teche Drive, that is) in Franklin for some delicious soul food, a 5k race, a Juneteenth exhibit, a Children's village, musical performances, and more. Details at the Soul Food Festival page on Facebook.
