The House voted overwhelmingly in 2021 to make Juneteenth a federal holiday. And soon after, the president signed the bill into law.
This day commemorates the end of slavery. It’s also known as Emancipation Day, Jubilee Day, and Juneteenth Independence Day.
On June 19, 1865, about two months after the Confederate general Robert E. Lee surrendered at Appomattox, VA, and more than two years after Abraham Lincoln gave the Emancipation Proclamation, Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas. He informed enslaved African Americans of their freedom and that the Civil War had ended.
This day has been celebrated by many African Americans since the late 1800s. Now that it’s a federal holiday, I hope many more of us participate in the recognition of when a dark time in our country’s history ended.
If you are not a part of the Black community, this observance would be a good time to lament this nation’s mistreatment of Black people and serve Black communities. It’s a time to expand your library and diversify your social media following, to teach your children America’s full history and work toward a more inclusive, equitable future.
Note: Because Juneteenth is a nationally recognized holiday, certain government-run offices are closed. Find out here what city offices are closed on June 19.
How to Celebrate in Albuquerque
Intentional Purchasing: In my opinion, one of the best ways to show up for the black community is with cold hard green cash money. This holiday is a great time to purchase from New Mexico black-owned businesses. And don’t forget to support them all year long!
The City of Albuquerque’s Annual Juneteenth Celebration will be Friday, June 19, from 5-11 p.m. at Civic Plaza. The celebration will feature a kids’ area, live performances, speeches, food trucks, local vendors, and a basketball tournament with Kenny Thomas.
Open Space Visitor Center Annual Juneteenth Event: Honor freedom, history, and community at a free family-friendly Juneteenth event highlighting the rich cultural contributions of Black Americans through art, music, storytelling and hands-on activities. The celebration will be June 13 from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m., and will feature live music and cultural performances, art and craft demonstrations, food and educational activities for all ages.
Rio Rancho Juneteenth Event: Celebrate Juneteenth in Rio Rancho with live music, performances, vendors and food trucks at Haynes Park on June 20 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Third Thursday: Juneteenth at the Albuquerque Museum: Kick off Juneteenth weekend with a free evening at the Albuquerque Museum on June 18 from 5-8:30 p.m. Enjoy an evening of dynamic performances and a vibrant Ujima Collective pop-up market featuring local Black-owned businesses and artisans.
Isotopes Juneteenth Night: The Isotopes baseball team take on the Sugar Land Space Cowboys and celebrate Juneteenth on June 19 at 6:35 p.m. Tickets start at $19.
NM United Juneteenth Night: Albuquerque’s favorite soccer team hosts Orange County SC and celebrates Juneteenth on June 13 at 7:25 p.m. Tickets start at $23. Berm seating is fun and affordable, especially for families with squirmy little ones.
Do you know of other local events celebrating this holiday? Let us know by emailing [email protected].
Round-Up of Resources & Articles
What Is Juneteenth and How Can I Celebrate (podcast episode) by First Name Basis
BBQ, Strawberry Soda, and Celebrating Juneteenth by Memphis Mom Collective.
Liberty and Justice for All: Why Should I Care About Juneteenth? by Miami Mom Collective.
Juneteenth: A White Mom’s Primer by Oklahoma City Mom.
Everything You Need To Know About Juneteenth by Orange County Mom Collective.
How to Prepare Your Family for Juneteenth Celebrations — And Why You Should by Fort Worth Moms.
Juneteenth: Its Importance to Black History & How We Celebrate It by Twin Cities Mom Collective.
