Juneteenth is observed on June 19 to commemorate the effective end of slavery in the United States.
The occasion was first celebrated in Texas in 1865 during the aftermath of the Civil War, after enslaved people had been declared free by the 1863 Emancipation Proclamation.
Juneteenth commemorations have been occurring in Arizona long before the observance was recognized as a federal holiday.
This year, events all across the Valley will honor, educate and celebrate Black history, culture and achievements. Events include food, music, performances, arts and crafts, reflection, vendors and community building.
Here are Juneteenth 2024 celebrations in metro Phoenix.
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Is Juneteenth a federal holiday?
Yes. Juneteenth is a federally recognized national holiday in the United States.
When was Juneteenth made a federal holiday?
President Joe Biden enshrined Juneteenth as the 11th American federal holiday on June 17, 2021.
Is Juneteenth always on June 19th?
Yes, Juneteenth always occurs on June 19 each year.
Why is it called Juneteenth?
Even though the Emancipation Proclamation was signed in 1863, it did not immediately take effect in places still under Confederate control, including the state of Texas.
On June 19, 1865, 2,000 Union troops arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas, and announced that the more than 250,000 enslaved Black people in the state were free by an executive order. The newly freed people came to call the day Juneteenth.
Where was the first Juneteenth celebration?
Early Juneteenth celebrations involved prayer, family gatherings and annual pilgrimages to Galveston by former slaves and their descendants. The day continued to be cherished in Texas for decades, according to Juneteenth.com.
Juneteenth 2024 events in metro Phoenix
Phoenix: Juneteenth celebration at Desert Botanical Garden
The Desert Botanical Garden will commemorate Juneteenth with a stroll through the trails and a day filled with activities that celebrate Black culture and traditions.
An evening market will have local artists, vendors, music, food and fun. The Ottosen Entry Garden will have a Reflection Zone, the Amphitheater features a Kids Zone, the Binns Wildflower Pavillion will have a Wellness Zone, the Ullman Terrace will include musical performances and Sunset Plaza will have music, food trucks and the market.
Details: 6-9 p.m. Tuesday, June 11. Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix. Free with community day reservation. 480-941-1125, dbg.org.
Chandler: Juneteenth Freedom Week
Chandler will celebrate Juneteenth Freedom Week with two days of events.
Culture Music in the Park is at 7 p.m. Saturday, June 15, at Dr. A.J. Chandler Park West, presented by Chandler’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Division, the South Chandler Self-Help Foundation and the Ready, Set, Go! Foundation.
The free event will include music by Vaughn Willis & Ear Candy, food from local vendors and misters to keep you cool. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs.
The DEI Division and South Chandler Self-Help Foundation also present the annual Miss Juneteenth Arizona Scholarship and Pageant.
It's at 6 p.m. Friday, June 14, at the Chandler Center for the Arts and helps young women understand their heritage and develop their self-esteem and passion for life. Contestant workshops focus on Juneteenth history, career opportunities, budget, financial planning and current events.
Details: Friday and Saturday, June 14-15. Dr. A.J. Chandler Park, 3 S. Arizona Ave., Chandler. Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Ave. Miss Juneteenth Pageant tickets start at $20. www.chandleraz.gov.
Phoenix: George Washington Carver Museum Juneteenth Festival
The George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center will hold its inaugural Juneteenth celebration at one of Phoenix's only remaining Black historic landmarks. There will be live music, food trucks, arts and crafts, storytelling, exhibits, vendors and an artist showcase.
Details: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, June 15. George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center, 415 E. Grant St., Phoenix. Free. 602-675-4755, carveraz.org.
Tempe: Juneteenth Celebration
The Tempe History Museum’s African-American Advisory Committee will host its 11th annual Juneteenth Celebration with activities, performances, vendors, story time, a video game trailer, police and fire vehicles and food truck vendors.
Details: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, June 15. Tempe History Museum, 809 E. Southern Ave. Free. 480-350-4311, tempe.gov.
Phoenix: Juneteenth Freedom Celebration
Rep Your Brand Enterprise will host its fourth annual Juneteenth celebration at Footprint Center. The event includes drum lessons, over 50 Black-owned small businesses and performances by the Sankofa West African Drum and Dance on Stilts and the Pretty Precise Step team. There will be giveaways and raffles as well.
Details: Noon-6 p.m. Saturday, June 15. Footprint Center, 201 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix. Free. eventbrite.com.
Scottsdale: Community Juneteenth Celebration
Scottsdale presents its Juneteenth Celebration at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts. There will be indoor and outdoor activities, food, uplifting music, family-friendly entertainment, educational speakers, art displays and wellness resources.
Details: 2-7 p.m. Saturday, June 15. Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, 7380 E. Second St. Free. 480-312-3111, scottsdaleaz.gov.
Tempe: Juneteenth Block Party
Tempe's Juneteenth Block Party is on June 15 at CenterPoint Plaza. The evening will include musical performances from emcee Teri Tobin, spoken word from Urban Poet, DJ sets from DJ Panic and DJ AKSHEN and performances from the Furious Styles Crew.
There will be an Ars Poetica station with haikus, food from Kingpin BBQ and 28 Still Cooking, adult beverages, dessert from Flav-Oh’s and Sunset Freeze, a Hip-Hop Barber Battle, retro roller rink, jump rope with 40plus Double Dutch Club and The Doorways, an interactive art experience.
Details: 7-11 p.m. Saturday, June 15. CenterPoint Plaza, 730 S. Mill Ave., Tempe. Free. downtowntempe.com.
Phoenix: Valley of the Sun Juneteenth Celebration at Eastlake Park
Now in its 20th year, the Valley of the Sun Juneteenth Celebration at historic East Lake Park includes entertainment from local musical and arts performers, community groups and schools, free health screenings, educational workshops, a youth essay contest, children’s activities, arts and crafts, vendors, games and authentic soul food.
Details: 5-10 p.m. Saturday, June 15. Eastlake Park, 1549 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix. Free. 623-282-1555, phxjuneteenth.com.
Goodyear: Juneteenth Family Day
Goodyear’s Juneteenth celebration includes speeches, live performances and activities. Attendees will learn about the history and significance of Juneteenth and engage in the community through workshops and activities. There will also be local businesses, food vendors and performances from Sandra Basset & Choir, United Dance Team and Kawambe-Omowale African Drum and Dance Theatre.
Details: 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, June 19. Goodyear Recreation Campus, 420 Estrella Parkway, Goodyear. Free. goodyearaz.gov.
Tempe: 2024 Juneteenth Celebration at Arizona Heritage Center
The Arizona Heritage Center will host its annual Juneteenth Celebration where community members can connect with each other and with organizations representing historical societies, action groups, state resources and communities at large. There will be performances, activities and food. RSVP at the Arizona Heritage Center’s website.
Details: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, June 16. Arizona Heritage Center, 1300 N. College Ave., Tempe. Free; a $10 Supporter Admission Pass option benefits future programming. arizonahistoricalsociety.org.
Reach the reporter atdina.kaur@arizonarepublic.com. Follow@dina_kauron X, formerly known as Twitter.
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