A year ago, President Biden made history when he officially declared Juneteenth a federal holiday — the first new one in decades. Commemorating the emancipation of African American people who had been enslaved, June 19 is a day to remember the transformational power of human liberation as well as to celebrate Black freedom and Black culture.
As we approach this day of reflection and ongoing commitment toward equality for all, following are a few ways to join other members of the Marquette and Milwaukee communities to celebrate Juneteenth.
Juneteenth Weekend kick-off celebration at Marquette
Friday, June 17 | noon – 4 p.m.
Central Mall
- Come together with Marquette and Milwaukee community members for a Juneteenth Celebration on Friday, June 17, from noon to 4 p.m. on Central Mall. The free, public event is hosted by Dr. Kristin Haglund, the Rev. John P. Raynor, S.J. Endowed Chair and professor in the College of Nursing, and the Milwaukee nonprofit organization Safe & Sound.More information is available online. Volunteer opportunities are available; those interested can sign up online.
Northcott Neighborhood House 51st Juneteenth Parade and Festival
Sunday, June 19 | 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Milwaukee’s Arlington Heights and Harambee neighborhoods (details below)
- See your Golden Eagles men’s basketball team as they participate in this annual Juneteenth parade. It starts at 9 a.m. from N. 14th St. and W. Atkinson Ave., and will travel to N. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. and W. Locust St. The parade will conclude by 11 a.m.Juneteenth opening ceremonies, signaling the start of the festival, will kick off at 11 a.m. with festivities running on the corner of N. King Dr. and W. Locust St. All street festivities start at 9 a.m. with vendors selling food, novelties and t-shirts. There will be music, poetry and dancing in the streets until 4 p.m.
More information is available online.
IPAMA Juneteenth Legacy Breakfast
Saturday, June 18 | 9 a.m.
IPAMA, 3200 W. Hampton Avenue, Milwaukee
- The Institute for the Preservation of African American Music and Arts (IPAMA) will commemorate Milwaukee’s traditional Juneteenth celebration with a community recognition breakfast. The inaugural event will salute some of Milwaukee’s most talented artists and musicians, acknowledge the contributions of several remarkable Milwaukee families and recognize Milwaukee’s nine panhellenic organizations that can trace their history back to more than 100 years in this community.More information and registration is available online.
Related content: Read former Vice President for Inclusive Excellence Dr. William Welburn’s reflection on the first federally recognized Juneteenth.