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:
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. Traditionally, Juneteenth celebrants eat red food – barbecue, strawberry soda, cherry cobbler – as the color represents power and sacrifice in West African cultures.
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?
‘Juneteenth: A Celebration of Freedom’ (June 17)
Dr. Charles Taylor will talk about his new book, “Juneteenth: A Celebration of Freedom” with Madison poet Fabu Carter at 5 p.m. June 17 at the Black Business Hub,
Juneteenth Celebration Cookout (June 18)
The Madison Senior Center and NewBridge Madison are sponsoring this celebration, where people can gather to grill hot dogs and burgers and play lawn games. The event is free but registration is required by noon June 16.
Chazen Museum of Art (June 19)
The Chazen is offering a special Juneteenth guided tour that focuses on artwork in its collection that celebrates Black history and culture. Registration is appreciated.
Madison Jazz Orchestra (June 19)
The Madison Jazz Orchestra’s monthly residency at Cafe CODA coincides with Juneteenth this month, so the 18-piece band has a special concert planned in honor of the holiday.
Bierock Urban Triage Fundraiser (June 19)
Bierock is hosting a fundraiser for Urban Triage, tapping three beers from Funkytown Brewery, a Black-owned Chicago brewery. One dollar from each beer will go to the Black civic organization.
Juneteenth Block Party
(June 20)
Vera Court Neighborhood Center will host a cookout from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. June 20 at 614 Vera Ct. In addition to food, drink, and family games, local resources and service organizations will be available to help connect the community.
Heritage in Motion (June 20)
Crucible is hosting this special all-Black burlesque show that brings Black icons and stories to life on stage. Tickets are on sale now.
Historical Juneteenth Freedom Parade (June 21)
The 36th annual parade to celebrate Juneteenth will take place June 21, beginning at Madison Labor Temple, 1602 S. Park St. The parade starts at 10:30 a.m. and will end at noon at Penn Park for the 36th annual Juneteenth in the Park celebration.
