Tomorrow is Juneteenth, the annual commemoration and celebration of the end of slavery in the United States.
155 years ago, on June 19, 1865, Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas to break news that the Civil War had ended and that all those who were enslaved were now free, according to Juneteenth.com. Though the Emancipation Proclamation was signed two years earlier by President Lincoln in 1863, there weren’t enough Union soldiers to enforce the order in Texas so it had little impact there. And so, Juneteenth marks the triumphant day when slavery actually ended in all states.
Of course, the holiday has even more significance this year, as it coincides with the ongoing fight for racial justice across the country. For the past 22 days in NYC (and many other cities around the U.S.), people have marched and rallied in the Black Lives Matter movement, fighting against systemic racism against Black people, for much-needed police reforms, and more.
Here is a listing of 20 marches/rallies/events taking place throughout the city for Juneteenth, divided by borough. Most of these have been shared by @justiceforgeorgenyc on Instagram; you can reference their page for more details. They also often share live coverage and updates of events on their IG stories. Participants are asked to wear face masks/coverings for safety.
Brooklyn
- Sidewalk Talks, 1-5pm, public discourse about race, America, and the new economic revolution, Dekalb & South Oxford
- Freedom Bike Ride, 1pm meeting 1:30pm kick-off, Brooklyn Museum Steps
- Bringing All of New York Together, 2pm, Juneteenth Rally and Lively March, Cadman Plaza, Wear Black and Mask
- Candlelight Vigil honoring victims of police brutality, 5:15pm, SUNY Downstate Medical Center, 450 Clarkson Ave.
- Juneteenth March – Recognizing Freedom, 6pm, Arch of Grand Army Plaza to hear from speakers, 6:30 onwards, march in the streets of Flatbush towards Fort Greene Park. More info here.
- Juneteenth 5K Run/Bike Ride, 6:15pm, starts at 1368 Fulton St., ends at Fort Green Park
Manhattan
- Juneteenth “Defund the NYPD March,” 1pm, Alamo Cube (Cooper Square), marching to City Hall Park
- Juneteenth Protest: Wellness Walk for Justice, 1:11pm, 125th and ACP Plaza, bring a yoga mat
- First Annual Juneteenth March On NYC City Hall, 2pm, Broadway and Park Place, marching Southwest toward City Hall. More info here.
- Juneteenth Freedom Day, 2pm-6pm, Marcus Garvey Park, Harlem
Queens
- Black Lives Matter Car Protest, 12pm, meet at 109-50 Merrick Blvd, traveling to 103rd precinct & 113th precienct, Nassau County Police Department
- Black Lives Matter: Queens Stand Up!, 1pm, meeting at 83rd St. and Roosevelt Ave, ending at the Unisphere in Flushing-Corona Park
- Juneteenth March, 1pm meet at Civil Court 89-17 Sutphin Blvd, Jamaica, dress for success
- March for Juneteenth, 2pm, Meet at Jamaica Ave in front of the Multiplex
- Juneteenth Rally Against Racism, 3pm, 115th Ave & 221 Street, Cambria Heights, bring signs/shirts, wear masks
- Children’s Poster-Making for Marches, 3:30-6:30pm, MoMa PS1, free supplies
The Bronx
- Juneteenth Rally, 12pm-2pm, Community Board 12, 4101 White Plains Road, Bronx, NY 10466
- Black Lives Matter Protest, 3-5pm, Soundview Park, Story Ave Entrance, Masks Required
Staten Island
- Burgers and Ballots, 12pm, Gerard Carter Center, complete 2020 census, register to vote, and more
- Youth Picnic, 2-8pm, Clove Lakes Park, drinks, snacks, and games.
featured image source: Shutterstock