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.
Juneteenth Arts Fest at Cordova
8457 Trinity Rd. Memphis TN 38018
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 2025.
How will you celebrate Juneteenth in Memphis?
Thanks to Telisa Franklin—Memphis Juneteenth is hosting the 32nd annual Juneteenth Festival June 6th and 7th in honor of those that fought for our freedom.
Celebrate Black liberation through history, music, literature, sports, and more with trivia that’s fun and educational.
Every month, they pop up at a different Black-owned business in Memphis, and on June 6th, 2025, they’re lighting up Shaunee’s Place—right next to A&R BBQ.
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.
Major Taylor Memphis Cycling Club is hosting a community bike ride on June 14th. This cycling club was named after Marshall Maj. Taylor who in 1899 became the first African American World champion cyclist!
Listen to amazing music at the Juneteenth Concert Series on the Lawn at Lemoyne Own College. Put on by the LeMoyne-Owen College National Alumni Association and benefitting the LeMoyne-Owen College National Annual Fund. This three-part concert series will take place on Thursday evenings on June 12, 19, and 26, 2025 at 6:00 PM.
There are so many Juneteenth events happening all around town at our Memphis Public Libraries. From the Cordova Library’s 4th Annual Juneteenth Fest to the Juneteenth Paint and Sip at the Orange Mound Genealogy Center and the Sankofa African Diaspora Festival at the Cossitt Library, there’s so much to do to celebrate freedom
The first of its kind, this dinner series features local food from Black Seeds Urban Farms cooked by seven local Black chefs. You won’t want to miss it! Check out this guest blog about the event written by Kayla J. Smith-Hardy, the lead coordinator of Umami Amora
Celebrate Juneteenth Community Day with free museum admission and a focus on health equity. This year, the Museum will provide resources through community partners to provide health screenings and awareness around sickle cell anemia
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.
