How to Celebrate Juneteenth in Atlanta
Juneteenth, also known as Emancipation Day or Freedom Day, is celebrated on June 19 in the United States to commemorate the day Union Gen. Gordon Granger and Union soldiers told enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, that they were free. It was June 19, 1865, more than two and a half years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation on Jan. 1, 1863.
In Atlanta and across the country, businesses and communities are honoring the cultural and historical importance of Juneteenth with educational events and programming, parades and holidays. It is the only holiday that commemorates the emancipation of enslaved Africans throughout the United States. As the heartbeat of the American civil rights movement and home of many civil rights activists including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Coretta Scott King and U.S. Rep. John Lewis, Atlanta is responding to the call to reflect Black history with the following events:
Things to do on Juneteenth in Atlanta
Celebrating Juneteenth in Atlanta
Friends and families look forward to gathering and celebrating African Americans’ Freedom Day. The annual Juneteenth parade sparks excitement at Centennial Olympic Park and for the tenth year, Atlanta History Center continues to bring awareness by hosting special programs and events.
Support Black-owned Businesses in Atlanta
Atlanta has a wealth of Black-owned businesses that run from boutiques to spas, music stores, book stores, galleries and so much more. If you’re hungry, we’ve got you covered there too with a few of our favorite Black-owned restaurants, too. Here are some places to check out.
ATL Unguided: Atlanta’s Black Travel Guide
Atlanta’s rich heritage is deep, progressive and continuously evolving. ATL Unguided invites all to experience the largest collection of HBCUs, historic churches, popular Black-owned restaurants, trendy lounges and legendary art galleries.
An Evening with Dr. Ibram X. Kendi
In partnership with 44th & 3rd Bookseller and Little Shop of Stories, Agnes Scott College presents an evening with Ibram X. Kendi, historian, antiracist scholar and author. Adults, children and teens are welcome and encouraged to attend this event where Kendi will be discussing his latest work, “Goodnight Racism.”
Jubilee: A Juneteenth Celebration
Join the National Center for Civil and Human Rights for a weekend of engagement to celebrate Juneteenth through music, history and culture. Enjoy music inspired by history, immerse yourself in the culture of Juneteenth through performances and find a new piece of your tradition. Visitors will also be able to view the new “King” exhibit during its launch.
Comedy Festival
Uptown Comedy Corner is hosting its 2nd Annual “1865 Comedy Festival” in honor of Juneteenth for Black Comedians. More than 50 stand-up comedians from all over the country will perform at the festival celebrating black comedy and unifying the community in support of Juneteenth.
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