Juneteenth, also called Freedom Day or Jubilee Day, is June 19, a chance for all Americans to celebrate the end of slavery. Here’s the origins of what some call “America’s second Independence Day,” and what’s going on in Madison to celebrate the occasion.
On the City Cast Madison podcast today, host Bianca Martin talks about Juneteenth in Madison with executive producer Hayley Sperling, and local marketer Liz Boyd as part of our weekly “Good On Ya!” segment. Also, City Cast Madison is going to be off on June 19 for the holiday, so there will be no new podcast in your feed or newsletter in your inbox that day.
What Is Juneteenth?
A combination of “June” and “19th,” Juneteenth commemorates a very specific event during the Civil War. While President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, about 250,000 slaves in Texas were not freed. It took two years, until June 19, 1865, for Texas slaves to be freed after Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas to enforce the proclamation.
The first Juneteenth celebrations took place the following year in Texas. As Black Texans moved across the country, they brought Juneteenth with them, and it became one of the oldest African American holidays.
During the Black Lives Matter movement in 2020, organizers pushed to have Juneteenth recognized as a federal holiday. President Joe Biden signed legislation making it a holiday the following year.
What’s Happening in Madison?
Black Caucus Juneteenth Celebration (June 16)
The Wisconsin Legislative Black Caucus will celebrate in the Capitol Rotunda at lunchtime, with a keynote address from Menomonie Ald. Camden Hargrove, the first openly trans Black man elected to public office in Wisconsin.
Celebrate Juneteenth Fitchburg (June 17)
Fitchburg Senior Center and the Wright Place are joining together to celebrate the day with a mix of musical and spoken word performances, with a keynote address from Dr. Charles Taylor, author of “Juneteenth: The Promise of Freedom.” The event will culminate with a Juneteenth flag raising at Fitchburg City Hall.
Madison Senior Center Juneteenth (June 18)
Over the lunch hour, enjoy barbecue, lawn games, live music, and more at this celebration hosted by the Madison Senior Center.
Black Stars Experience (June 18)
Madison College and the Kujichagulia Center for Self Determination are joining together to present this TED talk-style event at the Black Business Hub, featuring a variety of storytellers, creatives and community leaders.
Majestic Juneteenth Celebration (June 19)
On the holiday itself, the Majestic Theatre is hosting this free late night dance party featuring Flame the Ruler, No Love Monday, Uchi Kinte, DJ Pain 1, and DJ Iron Mike.
KinFolk (June 19)
Madison band KinFolk can play all sorts of genres, from Latin to funk to R&B, and they’ll play them all at this special Juneteenth Celebration at the High Noon Saloon. Tickets are $19.30 in advance.
Madison Juneteenth Parade (June 20)
The city’s oldest and biggest Juneteenth celebration is hosted each year by the Kujichagulia Center for Self Determination. It starts with a parade at 11 a.m. at the Madison Labor Temple, 1602 S. Park St., which will head to Penn Park for an afternoon of music, food and dance to celebrate Black liberation.
Forward Madison FC (June 20)
The ‘Mingos’ home game at Breese Stevens Field against the New York Cosmos will also be a celebration of Black history and excellence. Last year, the team released a special pre-match top honoring Juneteenth.
