Juneteenth Day Events in Louisville

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Juneteenth is on June 19 every year. More and more events are popping up to celebrate this day in American history. 

Over the last few years, an effort has been made to recognize and celebrate Juneteenth and what it means to in American history. We have compiled a list of events that are happening around the city. These events are family-friendly and family fun. 

 

A little bit of history

Juneteenth is the oldest celebration of the ending of slavery in the United States. The celebration started in Galveston, TX in 1865. It is regarded as African American Emancipation Day and has spread across the United States and to other countries. 

Events are put on for Juneteenth to honor African American freedom and emphasize education and achievement. It is a day, a week, and in some areas a month marked with celebrations and family gatherings. In cities across the country, people of all races, nationalities, and religions are joining hands to acknowledge a period in our history that shaped and continues to influence our society today. 

Events

Louisville Juneteenth Festival – June 7, 10, 12, 14, 16, 17, & 18th. Check their website for all the details!

 

Third Annual Juneteenth Celebration: June 10, 10am-1pm, Food, Fun, Music, Games & Giveaways! Sensory Sensitive Time from 10-10:30am.
 
Juneteenth at Louisville Bats: June 13, The baseball game will highlight the history of the Negro League and youth at Louisville Slugger Field.
 
Juneteenth Gala at the Ali Center: June 16, The Juneteenth Gala will recognize leaders while awarding them for the work they have done to improve racial equity within the community.
 
Juneteenth on the River: June 16, 7:00-9:00pm, Come aboard and explore the Belle in an impactful way this Juneteenth. While onboard, guests are invited to listen to music and watch a theatre performance sharing the story of Lucie and Thornton Blackburn, a couple that found freedom via the Ohio River.
 
Youth Sports Jamboree at Newburg Park: June 17, Reviving Urban Neighborhoods (R.U.N.), Inc. will host a fun-filled family event where youth can win prizes by demonstrating their knowledge of Juneteenth facts.
 
Oldham County History Center Juneteenth Celebration: June 17, 9:30am-3:00pm. There will be a walk to the historical African-American cemetery, the presentation of the Elijah P Mars award, food, vendors, art showcase, craft, vendors, authors, musical performances, and cultural reenactments.
 

2023 Juneteenth Weekend Heritage Experience:

Saturday, June 17, 7:00 pm – The Fannie Lou Hamer Story. Sunday, June 18, 2:00 pm – Father’s Day & Juneteenth Jazz Brunch. 
 
Journeys to Freedom River Cruise:(Un)Known Project Journeys to Freedom River Cruise, taking place aboard the Belle of Louisville on June 20 and 21, the performance immerses you in the stories of two families seeking to escape enslavement by boat

Know of more Juneteenth events, email info@louisvillefamilyfun.net.

Find more events happening this weekend.

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