It's official: Juneteenth is now a federal holiday.
Also known as Freedom Day, the holiday commemorates the day the last enslaved Black people were liberated in Texas on June 19, 1865.
Naturally, there are loads of ways to celebrate in Harlem, including a city-sponsored kickoff in St. Nicholas Park on Friday evening.
Here's the full list:
Monday, June 14-Saturday June 19
515 Malcolm X Blvd and W 135th St
A week-long virtual celebration highlighting author talks, readings and more exploring concepts of freedom. The last day of the festival falls on Juneteenth and includes a full day of featured authors and books.
Juneteenth Ramen Experience: Roots & Ramen
Reservations: Monday, June 14-Friday, June 18; pickup date: Saturday, June 19 noon-2pm; $60
Pickup location: 2048 Madison Ave between E 129th and E 130th Sts
For her latest dine-at-home ramen experience, Harlem chef Rasheeda Purdie is creating a Juneteenth-inspired menu complete with black-eyed pea salad, watermelon ramen and red velvet cake roll.
Shop & Sip: Juneteenth Edition
Friday, June 18-Sunday, June 20
Various locations
Shop at one of six participating Black-owned businesses in Harlem—including Make My Cake's new 125th Street location—and receive a ticket for a complimentary cocktail at one of eight local restaurants (67 Orange Street, Melba's and more).
Friday, June 18 at 6pm
St. Nicholas Park, James Baldwin Lawn, St. Nicholas Ave and 135th St
The city is kicking off Juneteenth with a block party—think performances, music and more—in Harlem's very own St. Nicholas Park.
Juneteenth Celebrations in Morningside Park
Saturday, June 19 11am-3pm
Morningside Park, lawn between W 113th and W 114th Sts
Juneteenth storytelling, spirit drumming, concerts, and more.
Juneteenth Celebrations in Marcus Garvey Park
Saturday, June 19 11am-3pm
Marcus Garvey Park, East Lawn
Dancing, music, and lots more on the East Lawn,
Harlem's 28th Annual Juneteenth Celebration
Saturday, June 19; parade at 11am, street fair at noon
116th St between Malcolm X Blvd and Fifth Ave
Harlem's 28th annual Juneteenth celebration includes a parade and an all-day street fair.
Saturday, June 19 at 11am, 12:30pm, and 2pm
The Bandshell at Jackie Robinson Park, Bradhurst Ave between 147th and 148th Sts
Choose from three free outdoor dance classes—West African Dance, Vogue Fundamentals, Afro'Dance—at the Jackie Robinson Bandshell.
Faces of Harlem Pop-Up Photo Booth
Saturday, June 19
• Morningside Park between W 113th and W 114th Sts: 11am-2pm
• Marcus Garvey Park, East Lawn: noon-3pm
Sit for a portait for the Faces of Harlem photo series, coming to Harlem's four historical parks this summer.
Saturday, June 19 11am-7pm
E 111th St between Lexington and Third Aves
Head to this East Harlem block party for free food, music and family activities.
Saturday, June 19 at noon
Start location: Highbridge Park, Edgecombe Ave and 168th St
Run or walk this Juneteenth-inspired 5K that starts in Highbridge Park in Washington Heights and makes its way through Harlem, ending with a barbecue and a concert.
Saturday, June 19 noon-7pm
St. Nicholas Park, St. Nicholas Ave and 135th St
A special Juneteenth edition of Good Vibes in the Park including guided meditation, live music, guest speakers, and DJ sets.
Taco Africana Juneteenth Weekend Pop-Up
Saturday, June 19 and Sunday, June 20 6pm to sell-out
Super Nice Coffee & Bakery, 156 E 117th and Lexington Ave
Stop by and try this African taqueria's Juneteenth-inspired red, green and black taco.
“Pity These Ashes: TULSA 1921-2021”
Saturday, June 19 at 7pm; register for FREE here
Streaming live at The Greene Space
Hear mezzo-soprano J’Nai Bridges and the Harlem Chamber Players perform Adolphus Hailstork's new work memorializing the Tulsa Massacre. The concert also features dancers from the Harlem School of the Arts.
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