Each year in mid-June, communities across the U.S. commemorate Juneteenth. According to the National Museum of African American History & Culture, “On June 19, 1865, nearly two years after President Abraham Lincoln emancipated enslaved Africans in America, Union troops arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas with news of freedom. More than 250,000 African Americans embraced freedom by executive decree in what became known as Juneteenth or Freedom Day. With the principles of self-determination, citizenship, and democracy magnifying their hopes and dreams, those Texans held fast to the promise of true liberty for all.”
New Orleans will honor Juneteenth this year with a rich lineup of events that celebrate Black history, artistry and liberation across the city. From thought-provoking exhibitions to soul-stirring music, here are three ways to commemorate the holiday:
Wednesday, June 18: Nu Nation Choir at NOMA
The New Orleans Museum of Art will host a special Juneteenth performance by the Nu Nation Choir, a youth-led gospel group founded to inspire unity and healing through music. The event takes place in the museum’s Great Hall from 6-7 p.m.. Admission is free to Louisiana residents on Wednesdays, courtesy of The Helis Foundation.
Thursday, June 19: New Orleans Juneteenth Festival, celebrating the 160th Anniversary of Juneteenth
The festival, presented by the Louisiana Afro Indigenous Society, will be held at Louis Armstrong Park, located at 701 North Rampart St. Performance lineup at Congo Square includes:
Noon: Second Line Kickoff
12:30 p.m.: Voodoo Queen Kalinda Laveaux
1:00 p.m.: Watotos of Kumbuka
2:00 p.m.: Nell Simmons
3:00 p.m.: Game Ova Skip
4:00 p.m.: DJ So Cole
5:00 p.m.: Jelly Joseph
“Sounds” by DJ RQ Away and a Youth Stage hosted by DJ Clavo. Go here for more information and more Juneteenth events, including a Juneteenth Freedom Gala from 7 p.m. tp 10 p.m. at Andre Callioux Center, 2541 Bayou Road, featuring Tarriona “Tank” Ball, with music by Alfred Banks and Raion Ramsey, with an AfroBeats part featuring DJ Ojay.
Thursday, June 19: Ancestral Odyssey at the New Orleans African American Museum
NOAAM will debut Vince Fraser: Ancestral Odyssey, a new permanent digital installation honoring the Black Masking Indians and African diasporic traditions through immersive visuals and collaborative artistry. The opening Juneteenth reception at 8 p.m. includes live performances by Ashli Ognelodh-Curry and DJ Sabine Blaizin.
Friday, June 20: South African Freedom Music at St. Luke’s
Courtney Bryan and Victor Campbell lead an evening of music celebrating South Africa’s freedom struggle, featuring works by icons such as Hugh Masekela and Miriam Makeba. Presented at historic St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, the concert closes out the exhibition season with a tribute to global liberation movements. The event kicks off at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church at 6:30 p.m. For more information, visit their website here.
Together, these Juneteenth events reflect New Orleans’ vibrant role in preserving and honoring Black heritage through music, memory and movement.
