By: Brianna Smith-Herman
Memphis is the mecca for black history and the fight for freedom in America. Juneteenth marks the very end of slavery in the United States. It commemorates the date of June 19, 1865, when the last African-American slaves held in Confederate states were finally freed by the Union army.
Celebrate Juneteenth in the 901 this weekend by supporting the listed events. These festivities serve as a safe space to exist in the fullest expression of yourself, as human, free and worthy of the joy of liberation.
Memphis Juneteenth Family Reunion
June 19th at 5:00 pm
TONE in partnership with We Are Unapologetic has curated a night of musical performances, food trucks, games, and more, all to celebrate the legacy and freedom of those who came before us. The Family Reunion is to sew the seeds of possibility into our community through purposeful and thoughtful interactions in a creative atmosphere. We hope to see you there!
The Memphis Juneteenth Festival
June 18 – 19 at 10:00am
The Memphis Juneteenth Festival (The Juneteenth Urban Music Festival) is moving from the historic Robert R. Church Park on Beale Street to Health Sciences Park, where the slave trader, founder of the Ku Klux Klan and confederate general Nathan Bedford Forrest and his wife were buried. This year’s festival will be observed June 18 and 19 and will feature live music, a car show, a kids zone, freedom run and walk, and so much more.
Inaugural Juneteenth Freedom Ride
June 19th at 8:00 am
Major Taylor Memphis along with Memphis River Parks Partnership presents the Inaugural Juneteenth Freedom Ride. They offer multiple routes/distances of 23, 44 & 63 miles with supported SAG stops. The mission of the Major Taylor Memphis cycling club is to promote a healthy lifestyle, sense of community and local partnership through various levels of cycling. Taylor who in 1899 became the first African American World champion cyclist MTM is dedicated to making each ride a safe, fun and enjoyable learning experience. Click here for more!
Juneteenth : A Celebration and A Conversation
June 19th at 10:00am
The LeMoyne-Owen College National Alumni Association is planning a celebration for Juneteenth! They will jump-start the morning with the inaugural Magician’s Ride Bike-A-Thon, followed by a day filled with food, a health fair, a symposium, a re-enactment, and give-a-ways. Click here for more info!
The Juneteenth Shop Black Festival
June 19th at 11:00 am
For the 2nd year, this festival will celebrate black excellence with food trucks/vendors, live entertainment, vendors from all over the city, and fun for the entire family. The Juneteenth Shop Black Festival will be held downtown at Fourth Bluff Park– Block Party style. COVID 19 guidelines will be followed to ensure everyone’s safety. This will be a free event starting at 11:00am until 6:00pm. The list of local businesses includes Pop’s Kernel, Lennox Watches, Chef Tam’s Underground Café and more.
For more information on Juneteenth Shop Black Festival, click here!
Shop Black Memphis
June 19th at 1:00pm
Shop Black Memphis is a celebration of black small business owners. Our goal is to provide opportunities and resources for Black Owned Businesses to increase visibility and revenue. This is a celebration of Juneteenth and Black owned entrepreneurs and small businesses. This event will showcase a variety of businesses and their products in an outdoor market atmosphere that is free and open to the public. It is an opportunity to purchase unique, exclusive items from local vendors and support the local community. Click here for more info!
Memphis Vegan Festival
June 20th at 11:00 am
As more Memphians are choosing plant-based lifestyles, Cynthia Daniels & Co. launches The Memphis Vegan Festival. The festival will feature a fun experience around healthy food. Memphis Vegan Festival will be a free event held downtown at Fourth Bluff Park, 12:00pm 5:00pm. Patrons can look forward to a day full of vegan food, live entertainment, and a marketplace featuring local businesses, plant-based health & beauty products, clothing and accessories. COVID-19 guidelines will be followed to ensure everyone’s safety. The list of local businesses includes Speed Vegan Magic Food Bus, The Vegan Mom, Shroomlicious Meals, Guilt Free Pastries and more.
For more information on Memphis Vegan Festival, click here!
Other Juneteenth Festivities:
Juneteenth at Butteriffic Bakery & Café at Butteriffic Bakery & Cafe
Juneteenth Celebration at Craft Axe Throwing
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