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 14: "A Joyful Noise" Juneteenth Concert at the LSU MOA
Honor the day America became a place of freedom for all by attending a performance at the LSU Museum of Art by local chorale group, Heritage. Founded almost fifty years ago with a mission to preserve negro spirituals like "Oh Holy Lord," and "Ain't-a-That Good News," the group continues to carry these traditions into the next generation. Show begins at 6:30 pm. Free. lsumoa.org.
June 15: Juneteenth Music Festival
For twenty-nine years now Donaldsonville has celebrated freedom as it's meant to be celebrated—with good food, good music, and good company. This year, take advantage of the health care, with ample resources focusing on African American health and wellness. The event kicks off at 11 am with an opening prayer and history of the day when all enslaved people learned of their freedom granted by the Emancipation Proclamation. The festivities will continue with live music from Angel of Faith, Total Control Band, the Michael Foster Project, and others. 11 am–7 pm at Louisiana Square. Free. Details on the Juneteenth Music Festival-Donaldsonville, Louisiana Facebook page.
Greater New Orleans/River Parishes
June 15: Juneteenth Freedom Festival
The Whitney Plantation Museum in Edgard is commemorating Juneteenth with a family-friendly experience that includes free entrance to the museum and self-guided grounds tours, a dance workshop by Avery Tate with Rhythm Nation Dance Group (10:30 am), a seminar from keynote speaker Holley Willis (1 pm)—who will also lead a workshop titled "Trauma and Triggers" discussing the journey towards healing and reconciliation. 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 pm. Free. whitneyplantation.org
June 16 & 19: New Orleans Juneteenth Festival
Celebrate emancipation in Louis Armstrong Park during the annual New Orleans Juneteenth Festival, hosted by the Louisiana Afro-Indigenous Society.
The festivities kick off on Sunday, June 16, with the Freedom Gala, held at the Treme Market Branch at 6 pm. The evening will include live music, dancing, delicious local food, and the announcement of this year's North Star Award honorees. Tickets start at $60.
The main event takes place on Juneteenth itself in historic Congo Square—and features a full day of live music, artist vendors, children's activities, and more. 2 pm–7 pm. Free. nolajuneteenthfestival.org.
June 18–19: Cultural and Historical Black Music Series
In a monumental Juneteenth celebration, Tremé for Tremé, The New Orleans Legacy Project and Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra collaborate for the first time to present the Cultural and Historical Black Music Series, a two-day event honoring the legacy of Black music. The first night honors the musical talent of Free People of Color and enslaved composers of late nineteenth century New Orleans in a concert by by Tremé Petit Jazz Museum’s La Programme S.T.E.M. De La Louisianne. Expect to hear classical music scores by Edmond Dédé, Charles Lucien Lambert, Basil Barre, and more. The following evening's concert, "Music of a Movement: A Symphonic Anthology (1950s-1970s)" features New Orleans' chart–topping artist, Deepa Soul and her band the Love Soul Orchestra, who will share the stage with other New Orleans vocalists and musicians. The second concert commemorates the 60th anniversary of the 1964 Civil Rights Act. Guests are encouraged to wear cocktail and/or Afrofuturistic attire, although it is not required. Tickets start at $50 for the first night and $65 for the second night, and students can attend for $10 both evenings. lpomusic.com.
The Northshore
June 19: Juneteenth Freedom Day Celebration
The City of Covington and One Covington—Future Leaders of Louisiana invite you to their annual Juneteenth celebration downtown Covington. The day starts with a Freedom Parade at 10 am, followed by a program and resource fair at 11:30 am. Events include speakers, spoken word performances, a vendor fair, arts and crafts, and more. All activities are free and open to the public. For more information contact Covington Councilman Peter Lewis at (225) 505-3030.
Acadiana
June 14–18: "The Juneteenth Story" at Acadiana Center for the Arts
Written by Lafayette artist Twana Benoit in the early 2000s, The Juneteenth Story is a local theatre tradition that centers on the fictional Williams family as they are preparing to celebrate the annual Juneteenth Festival. Through humor, dancing, and music, the story illuminates the significance of this distinctly American holiday. There will be a new special musical guest at each performance, as well as a pre-show performance by Fire Expressions Dance Conservatory each night. 7 pm each night, with additional 2 pm performances on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. $17–$32. acadianacenterforthearts.org.
June 15: Juneteenth Folklife Celebration
Step into the rich cultural labyrinth of St. Landry Parish at this Juneteenth celebration centered 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 enslaved people in Texas 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.
Southwest Louisiana
June 14: Juneteenth Freedom Festival
Join the City of Lake Charles for six days of festivities, to celebrate the history of African Americans and Juneteenth. The festival offers something for everyone, with a line-up that includes outdoor movies, bingo, parades, concerts, health screenings, worship services, fireworks and more. Find the full schedule and more information at swlahealth.org/juneteenth.
North Louisiana
June 14–15: Will Haney Concordia Juneteenth Celebration
In the heart of the Louisiana's Delta region, Concordia Parish has seen some of America's darkest and most complicated historical chapters play out. Here, June 19, 1865—when enslaved people were officially freed by the Emancipation Proclamation—represented the dawn of an entirely new era for many. To celebrate Juneteenth, Concordia Parish will celebrate in the spirit of the historic Haney's Big House—a venue on the Chitlin Circuit that hosted some of America's most important musicians, including B.B. King, Ray Charles, Little Milton, and Irma Thomas. For two days, people of all backgrounds are invited to join a celebration of Black freedom and achievement with performances by musicians performing historically-Black genres like zydeco, blues, hip-hop, and gospel. Special events include a welcome reception at the Delta Theatre at 6 pm on June 14 celebrating Black excellence of the 1990s, a "Parade of Legends" at 6 pm on E.E. Wallace Boulevard in Ferriday, a "Battle of the DJ" Block Party on June 15th, and a Music & Blues Concert on the riverfront on June 16. Details at louisianajuneteenth.com.
June 21: Let the Good Times Roll Festival
For almost forty years now, Shreveport has celebrated 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. letthegoodtimesrollfestival.com.
Cajun Coast
June 14–15: Franklin Soul Food Festival
Head down to the bayou (the bayou side of Teche Drive, that is) in Franklin for some delicious soul food, live music, and more all in celebration of the community. This years musical performances include music by DJ Fab, Lil Nate and the Zydeco Big Timers, Bunk Johnson Band, Get Cha Sum Band, Kenny Wade Band, Andrew Jackson, Mr. Hot Topic. Details at the Soul Food Festival page on Facebook.
