June 19th — also known as Juneteenth, Emancipation Day, or Freedom Day — marks the official end of slavery in the United States, with the last slaves in Texas having been freed. Last year, President Biden made Juneteenth a federal holiday in the U.S. to commemorate the landmark day. Below is a compilation of how businesses and institutions in Washington, D.C., are honoring the day:
Shopping and businesses
- Black Social: Juneteenth Pop-Up features and highlights a number of Black-owned businesses and will include musical performances from Jay Sun and additional drummers. (June 19 – 1 p.m. to 5 p.m)
- Brookland Arts Walk Market will be hosting performances and music to celebrate Black-owned businesses in this free market. (June 19, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
Museums and exhibits
- The Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture will be honoring and celebrating the “tastes, sounds, and experiences of this African American cultural tradition” by holding virtual and in-person events to mark Juneteenth. Though free, tickets must be acquired ahead of time. (Jun. 20, full listing available on the website)
- The new Afro-Atlantic Histories exhibit at the National Gallery of Art features African and Black artists dating back to the 17th century to give a historical look at their collective cultures and experiences. (Open through July 17)
- The National Museum of the American Indian debuted the exhibit Ancestors Know Who We Are, featuring Black-Indigenous women artists, on June 15.
- The Washington National Cathedral will be hosting a free virtual and in-person and event, Light in the Darkness: When Monuments Attack, examining “racialized symbolism and iconography” and how it has “shape[d] our public history and memory.” (June 21 at 7 p.m.)
Music and Performances
- Something in the Water Festival — which aims to “fight systemic issues for historically marginalized communities” — will be hosting a free gospel Sunday Service event and performances. (June 19, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.)
- The Kennedy Center is hosting the exhibit Reframing the Narrative through June 19, featuring performances by the Ballethnic Dance Company, the Collage Dance Collective, the Dance Theatre of Harlem, and numerous other Black and Black-identifying ballet dancers from across the United States. (Through June 19; Tickets range from $29-$119)
- The Chocolate City Jubilee, hosted by WPGC-FM’s Poet Taylor, is being hosted at Freedom Plaza, featuring free food and live go-go music. (June 19, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m)
- Moechella — a peaceful demonstration and performances — is being held on 14th U Street. (June 19, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.)