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JUNETEENTH NY: CELEBRATION OF FREEDOM
It’s too bad we didn’t have the internet back in 1865. The slaves in Texas would not have had to wait an additional 2 ½ years to be notified that they were free. We could have just sent a text, ‘ur free.’ Without such technology, the alternative was having General Gordon Granger, the commander of the military in the district of Texas, ride through town and inform the last of the slaves in America that they were free. The Emancipation Proclamation, signed by President Lincoln on January 1, 1863, was signed into law to end slavery in America. This proclamation was met with much resistance and has evolved over the years. For Black Americans, it was the beginning of their transformational journey to join mainstream America as equal citizens with equal protection under the laws. This historic date became known as Juneteenth, when the last slaves in America were informed that they were free.
Juneteenth became the ‘Independence Day’ for Black Americans. The birthplace of the Juneteenth celebration was in Galveston, Texas. As the last state to inform slaves that they were free, Texas became the first state in the union to recognize Juneteenth as a state holiday in 1980. Celebrations of Juneteenth subsequently spread across the country. Juneteenth NY, founded and organized by Athenia Rodney in 2009, became one of the country’s largest holiday celebrations. At More Than Three Fifth, we are proud to partner with Juneteenth, NY, in its 15th annual celebration in Brooklyn, NY. Kali Williams serves on the Advisory Board as the co-lead marketer. Daryl Davis serves as the lead for the Kids Zone Football Clinic, which is sponsored by More Than Three Fifth. Read more to learn how Juneteenth NY has inspired a sense of community and pride for its residents.
Juneteenth NY was not just an event but a vision brought to life by Athenia Rodney in 2009. Frustrated by the lack of venues to celebrate Juneteenth, she set out to create a space where Black residents in her community could celebrate their culture and showcase their contributions to American society. With a passion for education, Athenia established a family-oriented event to empower her community with knowledge of its rich history while providing a platform for local small businesses to showcase their goods and services. Today, the event draws over 30,000 attendees annually, a testament to Athenia’s vision and the community’s support.
This year marks the 15th annual Juneteenth NY celebration, promising to be bigger and better than ever. The festival runs from June 13 to June 19, 2024, under the theme “Unveiled: Understanding the Journey from Our Roots.” This theme reflects the complex journey from emancipation, acknowledging the challenges from freedom to integration into mainstream America. As we navigate this journey, we must devise and execute a strategy for progress.
The 2024 Juneteenth NY celebration goes beyond commemorating freedom from slavery. It aims to bridge the divide between communities across the city, addressing misconceptions about the Black community and highlighting its contributions to American culture. People from all walks of life are invited to join the celebration and gain a broader perspective on the Black community. Athenia Rodney, founder of Juneteenth NY, shares her excitement: “I am thrilled to unveil this year’s festivities as we pay homage to our heritage and celebrate the resilience of our community.”
Please join us in this celebration.
JUNETEENTH NY 2024 EVENT SCHEDULE
JUNE 13, 2024
LUNCH AND LEARN
Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Place: Juneteenth NY YouTube Channel
Juneteenth NY holds a virtual meeting throughout the year where attendees can learn about various Black-owned businesses. This week’s lunch and learn will feature Fashion Show Director Alyssa Luz and the Juneteenth fashion show designers and stylists to discuss the fashion industry openly.
THIRD ANNUAL BLACK KINGS AWARD CELEBRATION
Time: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Place: Major Owens Facility
The 3rd Annual Black Kings Award Celebration will honor 21 outstanding Black men who have significantly contributed to the community. This formal sit-down dinner, featuring cuisine from the Black Restaurant Coalition, premium libations from Uncle Nearest, and music by DJ Basiq, will include a silent auction with proceeds benefiting Juneteenth NY.
JUNE 14 – 19, 2024
CITYWIDE RESTAURANT CRAWL
Time: varies by restaurant
Place: List of participating restaurants at www.Juneteenthny.org
In partnership with the Black Restaurant Coalition, participating restaurants around the city will offer prix-fixed meals featuring rich foods in honor of Juneteenth.
JUNE 15, 2024
PARADE
Time: 8:30 AM – 11:00 AM
Place: NYC Health & Hospitals/Gotham Center, 2094 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn 11207 to Gershwin Park, Linden & Vermont
This is expected to be the largest parade ever seen on Pennsylvania Avenue, with Girl Scout Troops, Military Soldiers, the C3 Boots Step Team from the Christian Cultural Center, a marching band, and more, all led by Councilman Chris Bank. Registrations to participate will be accepted through Thursday, June 13, 2024. Visit www.juneteenthny.org for more information.
JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION: VENDORS, RAFFLE, AND MAIN STAGE
The Juneteenth celebration offers something for everyone. Local vendors will be onsite all day, showcasing their goods and services. Upon arrival, attendees who register for the celebration will receive a free raffle ticket, with additional tickets available for purchase at $5.00 each. Raffle drawings will take place throughout the day, featuring fantastic prizes like New York Liberty game tickets, a Nintendo Switch, Apple AirPods, and more. Additionally, live performances can be enjoyed on the main stage all day long.
Festival
11:00 AM – 6:00 PM Black Owned Business Vendors & Sponsor Tables
11:00 AM – 6:00 PM Raffle Drawing
Kidz Clinic & Family Activities
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM Basketball Clinic Sponsored by Brooklyn Nets & Liberty Basketball
11:00 AM – 4:30 PM Football Clinic Sponsored by More Than Three Fifth
11:00 AM – 4:30 PM Golf Clinic Sponsored by All Access Golf LLC
11:00 AM – 4:30 PM Family Day Sponsored by Perimeter Sports NYC
11:00 AM – 4:30 PM Kids Workshops Sponsored by Home Depot
11:00 AM – 4:30 PM Soccer clinic
11:00 AM – 4:30 PM Tennis Clinic
Main Stage
11:00 AM – 11:30 AM Opening Ceremony
11:00 AM – 3:30 PM Stage Performers – Music and Dance
3:30 PM – 5:30 PM Fashion Show & Awards
5:30 PM – 6:00 PM Closing Ceremony
June 19, 2024
VIRTUAL SUMMIT
Time: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Place: Juneteenth YouTube Channel (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwdvOWYLXak9ESrRXWpyLdQ)
The virtual summit will be streamed live on the Juneteenth NY YouTube Channel in partnership with CBS News Studio. It will offer insightful discussions, empowering messages, meaningful connections, and fireside chats with esteemed personalities such as Messiah Ramkissoon, Chrysanthius T Spann, Gabby Wilkes, and Elizabeth DiDi Delgado.
June 19, 2024
VIRTUAL SUMMIT
Time: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Place: Juneteenth YouTube Channel (https://www.youtube.com/channel
/UCwdvOWYLXak9ESrRXWpyLdQ)
The virtual summit will be streamed live on the Juneteenth NY YouTube Channel in partnership with CBS News Studio. It will offer insightful discussions, empowering messages, meaningful connections, and fireside chats with esteemed personalities such as Messiah Ramkissoon, Chrysanthius T Spann, Gabby Wilkes, and Elizabeth DiDi Delgado.
JUNETEENTH EVENT HOSTED BY COUNCILMEMBER FARAH-LOUIS
Time: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Place: Brooklyn Library Steps
This is the 5th Annual Juneteenth event hosted by Councilmember Farah-Louis of District 45, Brooklyn, NY. At this event, the councilmember will honor our Black ancestors and all those civil rights heroes who fought for freedom before us with a historic and unforgettable rally at the Brooklyn Library at Grand Army Plaza that includes speeches, prayer, poetry, music, dancing, and drumlines.