Juneteenth — a holiday that commemorates the emancipation of more than 250,000 enslaved people at the close of the Civil War — is this Monday, and nowhere celebrates Juneteenth quite like Brooklyn.
Brooklynites will be paying tribute to the day and celebrating African American culture and heritage through block parties, dance parties, food festivals, exhibits, makers markets and talks all weekend long.
Also known as “Freedom Day” or “Emancipation Day for African Americans,” Juneteenth is now also an official state holiday in New York after then-Gov. Andrew Cuomo gave it the designation in 2020, amidst nationwide protests calling for racial justice.
“This new public holiday will serve as a day to recognize the achievements of the Black community, while also providing an important opportunity for self-reflection on the systemic injustices that our society still faces today,” Cuomo said at the time.
Whether you want to get down with the homies or give your kid an educational, hands-on experience, read below for BK Reader’s comprehensive list of favorite events.
Happy Juneteenth!