ST. LOUIS — Various Juneteenth events and celebrations are happening in St. Louis rergion to honor the holiday.
What is Juneteenth?
On June 19th, 1865, Union soldiers led by Major General Gordon Grander went to Galveston, Texas and told enslaved people they were free and that the war had ended. This was two months after Confederate General Robert E. Lee surrendered at Appomattox, Virginia. Granger's announcement put into effect the Emancipation Proclamation which was issued by President Abraham Lincoln on January 1st, 1863.
In 2021, Juneteenth became a federally recognized holiday in the United States. In the state of Missouri, the history was recognized through the 2003 legislative session when House Bill 640 was passed. Designating June 19 as Emancipation Day in the state.
St. Louis City:
3rd Annual Juneteenth "Free-Dome" Celebration at Griot Museum of Black History
- Wednesday, June 19 from 1-7 p.m.
- The 3rd Annual Juneteenth "FREE-DOME" Celebration is a one day family oriented event celebrating the rich heritage, history and culture of people of African descent. We will come together to show that we are UNITED and to celebrate our unity with diverse people throughout Saint Louis City.
House of Soul presents their 5th Annual Juneteenth Festival
- Wednesday, June 19 from noon. to 8 p.m.
- The event includes an entire block takeover of Washington Avenue for the first time since the festival has been put on. The event will include free admission, live bands, a kids zone, vendors, street runway fashion, games and, of course, lots of food. There will even be live painting and karaoke! Special Guest Performances include Izzy from Memphis, Dakota Pagan, Corey Allen, Shanelle Scott, Dabriel Moore, Rob Soule, Brittny Holloway, Truenessia, 1 Tyme, AD IIII, SERROGE, King Beezy Supreme and MD Mark Harris II.
4th Annual Juneteenth Celebration with Old North STL
- Saturday, June 22 from noon to 6 p.m. at North 14th and Montgomery streets
- The day will be filled with music, food and community.
St. Louis County:
Dellwood Juneteenth Festival at Dellwood Recreation Center
- Wednesday, June 19 from noon to 9 p.m. (10266 W Florissant Ave.)
- The City of Dellwood will have a community resource fair, parade, art & oratorical contest, live entertainment and more. The mission of JuneteenthSTL is to strengthen the community by connecting people to businesses, community organizations and employment opportunities.
- A JuneteenthSTL Teen Summit: The State of Us will happen at the Boys and Girls Club in Ferguson at 6 p.m.
Metro East:
Illinois Black Woodstock Festival: Juneteenth Edition
- Wednesday, June 19 from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. at 8206 State St.
- People can enjoy food, live performances, shop from local vendors, and celebrate Juneteenth with us. People are encouraged to support local Black artists and businesses while having a great time with friends and family. Lawn chairs are welcomed and entry is free.
Collinsville Juneteenth Festival
- Wednesday, June 19 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Old Herald Brewery & Distillery
- There will be food, vendors, live music, dancers, poets, games and raffles. The festival will include the first ever Juneteenth parade in Collinsville. This celebration will be hosted by Collinsville High School Black Student Union.
Jefferson County:
- Quad City Juneteenth Homecoming Celebration happens on Friday, June 21-23.
- The celebrations will include a Meet & Greet at the American Legion in Festus at 6 p.m. on June 21.
- On June 22 at 7 p.m., there will be a dance at the American Legion in Festus at 7 p.m. Admission is $5 at the door and kids under 15 are free.
- On June 23 at 11 a.m., there will be church service at Buren A.M.E. in Festus that the community is invited to. Later that afternoon there will be a picnic at the South Adams Street Park inside the Ron Herrington Pavilion at 12:30 p.m.
Top St. Louis headlines
Get the latest news and details throughout the St. Louis area from 5 On Your Side broadcasts here.