News Summary
New Orleans will honor the 160th anniversary of Juneteenth with a series of vibrant events on June 19, including parades, live music, art exhibits, and community festivities. Highlights include ‘The Stories Of Us’ art exhibit, a Juneteenth Celebration at Mt. Zion Baptist Church, and a family-friendly Jamboree in Harvey. The festival aims to celebrate African American heritage and community legacy, drawing over 1,000 attendees and showcasing more than 70 local vendors.
New Orleans will commemorate the 160th anniversary of Juneteenth with a series of festive events and cultural celebrations scheduled for June 19, 2024. Juneteenth is now recognized as a federal holiday, honoring the day in 1865 when Union troops informed enslaved individuals in Texas of their freedom, a full two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was enacted by President Abraham Lincoln.
The significance of June 19 stems from General Gordon Granger’s General Order No. 3, which declared the freedom of enslaved people in Texas. This moment marked what many consider the official end of slavery within the Confederate South. Though Juneteenth began as a local observance in Texas in 1866, it gradually gained recognition, with Texas becoming the first state to formally celebrate it in 1980. The observance spread to other states, with many, including Florida, Minnesota, and Oklahoma recognizing it in the 1990s before it achieved federal status in 2021.
This year’s NOLA Juneteenth Festival will commence at noon in Louis Armstrong Park, where attendees will enjoy a second line parade, live musical performances, and an array of local vendors showcasing their offerings. A highlight of the festival will be the unveiling of “The Stories Of Us,” a public art exhibit featuring sculptures created by Black artists, connecting the community with the rich cultural heritage of African Americans.
Later in the day, the Lakefront Juneteenth Celebration will host its festivities from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, led by attorney Juan Lafonta. This evening celebration will include food, drinks, live performances, and a fireworks display, offering a wonderful way for families and friends to come together and celebrate.
Additionally, Mt. Zion Baptist Church will host “Voices Reclaimed: A Juneteenth Celebration,” featuring an interactive exhibit that showcases the work and contributions of Black composers in classical music, starting at 6:00 pm. This event aims to deepen the cultural appreciation of music within the African American community.
The Juneteenth Freedom Gala, organized by the Louisiana Afro-Indigenous Society, is set to take place on Friday evening, adding to the lineup of culturally enriching events honoring this historic day. A family-friendly Juneteenth Jamboree will follow on Saturday in Harvey, offering food, health screenings, and games, designed to engage families and spread joy in the community.
The organizers anticipate that the 2024 NOLA Juneteenth Festival will draw nearly 1,000 attendees, reflecting a significant increase from the small gathering that took place in its inaugural year in 2020. The festival’s organizer has highlighted that the focus is on celebrating joy and abundance, with a vision to honor community legacy through various artistic and cultural expressions.
This year’s festival will feature over 70 vendors, providing opportunities for both established and emerging artists to showcase their talents and offerings. In addition to the festivities in various local venues, the New Orleans African American Museum will unveil a new exhibit titled “Ancestral Odyssey,” which explores the profound artistic legacy of Black Masking Indians, coinciding with the Juneteenth celebrations.
Several local venues, including the Goretti Juneteenth Festival, will also host events throughout the city, enhancing the community’s engagement with the history of Juneteenth and its significance in the ongoing journey toward equality and acknowledgment of African American heritage.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
New Orleans to Celebrate 160th Anniversary of Juneteenth
New Orleans Celebrates Juneteenth with Community Events
Summer Events Galore in New Orleans
Additional Resources
- WWLTV: New Orleans Juneteenth Events 2025
- NOLA: Juneteenth Festival in Congo Square
- WGNO: Ancestral Odyssey Exhibition
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Juneteenth
- Google News: Juneteenth New Orleans
