Celebrating Juneteenth 2021 in Houston

June 19, 2021 will mark the 155th anniversary of Juneteenth, a holiday honoring the emancipation of those formerly enslaved in the United States. Last year, Juneteenth was largely celebrated virtually due to Covid-19, such as Emancipation Park’s annual Juneteenth Festival. Here are some ways to celebrate (virtually and in-person) this year:  

#WEAREJUNETEENTH is a national campaign that celebrates Juneteenth and African American heritage, tradition, and culture. This campaign has organized activities this month to help raise awareness towards minorities, especially the African American community, led by different members of the #WEAREJUNETEENTH initiative. Emancipation Park has a full schedule of events and ways to celebrate leading up to Juneteenth. 

On June 19, Emancipation Park will hold a citywide meal distribution, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., open to the public; registration is required. The "We Rise Up!" Virtual Juneteenth Celebration takes place 3-4:30 p.m. and tunes from DJ Chilly Bill Smith and Rob G, rhythm and blues by Vincent Powell, vocals by Nakitta Clegg-Foxx, and a don't-miss finale community performance. See the full schedule and register for the Virtual Juneteenth Celebration here. 

Sisters Nylah and Skye Bohannon, pictured at the 2019 Juneteenth festival at Emancipation Park. (Photo: Pooja Salhotra) 

Juneteenth and Black Music Month Screenings
Sat., June 19, starting at 7:30 p.m.; Weds., June 23, starting at 7:30 p.m. @ Moonstruck Drive-In Cinema at East River
Houston Cinema Arts Society and Houston Museum of African American Culture are teaming up to celebrate Juneteenth and Black Music Month at Moonstruck Drive-In Cinema at East River. The schedule includes: A Juneteenth Celebration, Sat., June 19 with a screening of Dorthea’s Blues and Miss Juneteenth ($30 per car); Weds., June 23, Summer of Soul (free with advanced registration). See more details here.

Celebrating Juneteenth with The Heritage Society
Fri., June 18, 10a.m.-2p.m.; Sat., June 19, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. @ Sam Houston Park
Admission: $10 
Celebrate Juneteenth with The Heritage Society with three tours of the Jack Yates House, Kellum-Noble House, and the Fourth Ward Cottage located in Sam Houston Park, and refreshments at the bandstand. Tour docents will explain what these homes represent in the African-American history of Houston.

Celebrate Juneteenth at the Children's Museum of Houston with a full day of activities including line dancing, spoken word poetry, an interactive musical performance, and more. 

Juneteenth Freedom Fest at Children's Museum Houston
Sat., June 19th, 10 a.m. @ Children’s Museum of Houston 
Admission: Included with general museum admission 
Children’s Museum celebrates and honors Juneteenth with line dancing, spoken word poetry, interactive activities and more.

Juneteenth Black Art Exhibit Opening Day with Primary Paint Party 
Sat., June 19, 1-5 p.m. 
11002 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77042
Admission: $20
Primary Paint Party is hosting a tribute to Black art and creators. RSVP for Opening Day.
 
A Gulf Coast Juneteenth: Featuring Bobby Rush @ Miller Outdoor Theatre 
Sat., June 19, 8:30 p.m.Hermann Park
This Juneteenth, Miller Outdoor Theatre is hosting a virtual and live concert of blues and gospel starring Grammy legend Bobby Rush.
 
Vincent Victoria Presents Blaque Tcherie 
Fri., June 18, 7 p.m. @ Tinseltown; Sat.,  June 19, 7 p.m. @ Midtown Art Center; Sun.,  June 20, 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. @ Midtown Art Center
Admission: $20+
View Vincent Victoria Presents Blaque Tcherie to celebrate Juneteenth through the strong African American characters portrayed in this film. 

Editor’s note: See all upcoming events on our calendar here. Read more about Emancipation Park as part of our 2019 Exploring Houston series.