This city doesn’t do holidays half-a**. We light up the sky for 4th of July, don’ our greens for St. Patrick’s Day—and mark Juneteenth in Memphis with moments that our ancestors could only dream of.
This is a commemoration honoring the liberation of the people that have largely contributed to the creation of culture across our city. This is Juneteenth in Memphis.
On June 19, 1865 in Galveston, TX, Major General Gordon Granger demanded the emancipation of enslaved African Americans.
It should also be mentioned that General Order Number 3 was issued TWO WHOLE YEARS after the Emancipation Proclamation had been put into place, and Juneteenth in
Even though many masters weren’t quick to abide by their new laws—for the first time in history, the Black community had a date that was theirs.
Despite the fears, frustrations, and further discrimination that would be felt, the last of our ancestors were given their golden ticket to freedom on Juneteeenth—and if that doesn't call for a celebration, we don't know what would.
Long before it was declared a federal holiday in 2021, local organizations commemorated the occasion with special gatherings and celebrations; providing spaces to boast all facets of Blackness, in light of where Black America has been and where it’s going.
The same will ring true in 2024.
How will you celebrate Juneteenth in Memphis?
Thanks to Telisa Franklin—Memphis Juneteenth is filling the whole month of June with many moments to pull in honor of those that fought for our freedom.
Playback Memphis invites BIPOC Memphians to witness a performance made with only them in mind as an all-black cast combines words, movement, and music to unlock healing, transformation, and joy in Memphis—one story at a time.
With a Spades tournament, a “Sunday’s Best” themed gala, and a music festival with headliners Juicy J and Curren$y, prepare to two-step and let your chain hang low. Tone invites you to tap into a weekend full of festivities that pay homage to the past and fame the future for Black culture.
Check out the 2021 festival recap to get hype for what’s to come.
Memphis Public Libraries are doing it big for Juneteenth with celebrations, storytimes, and jazz bands. Across multiple library branches, there are Juneteenth events for children and adults alike. Check them out!
Walk, run, or jog your way to the finish line. Plus, there’s a kids dash!
Pedal your way to freedom and fun on the Major Taylor Memphis 4th Annual Juneteenth Freedom Ride! Bike by historically significant sites in Memphis. Your ticket supports combatting homelessness with the Dorothy Day House.
What better way to commemorate cultural identity than with a block party! The 4th Annual Juneteenth Shop Black Festival on Saturday, June 15th, will feature live entertainment, food trucks, local vendors—and it’s all going down rain or shine (May your protective styles stay strong 🤲)
2024 marks 31 years of the Juneteenth Jubilee and Freedom Festival held in Douglass Park, Memphis’ first park for African Americans, nestled in the North Memphis neighborhood.
Did We Miss Something?
Can't pull up to the function?
There are many ways you can support the local black community on Juneteenth, and beyond.
Memphis Athletic Ministries has teamed up with the Memphis Grizzlies and Memphis Grizzlies Youth to bring young ballers together for the Juneteenth Jr. NBA Grizzlies 3v3 Tournament!
Perks include:
- Jr NBA Grizzlies jerseys for each player
- Prizes for 1st and 2nd place teams
- Appearances by NBA/WNBA legends
- Grizzlies entertainment team performances
This Black-owned bakery is throwing down in the kitchen, whipping up all kinds of treats that would have the ancestors coming back for more.
We could all use more moments to tend to our minds, bodies, and spirits—and there’s no day like Juneteenth to do so.
The Feeding the Root GROWS Market will not only be a space for folks to secure locally-grown fruits and veggies, but the outdoor yoga sessions offer opportunities for participants to find and protect their peace.
