Across the state, Florida cities celebrated Juneteenth, the holiday commemorating emancipation and the end of slavery in the United States. Here is a roundup of how cities celebrated:
The City of Clearwater held an event at Coachman Park that included musical performances, family-friendly activities, a comedian, karaoke and a guest speaker.
The City of Coral Springs held an indoor event at the Coral Springs Center for the Arts. The event featured a pre-party with food, a step performance, arts and crafts and complimentary small bites from local black-owned restaurants. The pre-party was followed by a comedian’s show.
The City of Dunedin employees recognized Juneteenth with an In-Service Day, where they volunteered for projects and supported community organizations and initiatives.
Their efforts included picking up 69 pounds of trash, installing a sanitary sewer lateral for a church, stuffing care bags for the homeless, cooking meals for people in need, painting a library mural representing diversity and creating no-sew blankets for foster kids.
The City of Gainesville held a monthlong Journey to Juneteenth celebration that included a film festival. The festival featured a documentary, “Class of Her Own,” about an inspirational local teacher.
The City of Homestead held its first Juneteenth Emancipation Exposition that featured a comprehensive Black History Historical Exhibit highlighting significant milestones and figures. The event also included cultural performances, poetry readings and music. One highlight was a panel discussion featuring local community pioneers who shared experiences of overcoming adversity. Local vendors and food trucks were on-site.
The City of Jacksonville recognized Juneteenth during a ceremony in the City Hall Atrium. The event was attended by Mayor Donna Deegan, President Ron Salem of the Jacksonville City Council, Parvez Ahmed, Chief of Diversity and Inclusion, and other local leaders.
The City of Orlando, District 6 City Commissioner Bakari F. Burns and Senator Geraldine F. Thompson invited the community to the annual Juneteenth Celebration at Camping World Stadium. Activities included live music, vendors and entertainment. This event was organized by the City’s Office of Multicultural Affairs.
The City of St. Petersburg held events including a Good Stock Out of St. Pete Juneteenth Festival and Mentorship Expo that highlighted African Americans who have been awarded for accomplishments in the arts, medicine, education and sports. The City also held a St. Pete Pride’s Shades of Pride Juneteenth Celebration that showcased the Black and Brown experience of the LGBTQIA+ community through art, culture, music and panel discussions. Other events included a Juneteenth Music Festival, a Phyllis Wheatley Rise to Read Campaign, a Freedom Fest and a Gospel Fest.
The City of Tarpon Springs joined with the Union Academy Neighborhood Revitalization Group to host the City’s first Juneteenth Celebration at Dorsett Park. The celebration featured outdoor activities, waterslides, games for children and youth, historical displays, vendors and prizes. Also, City staff designated a day to beautify the Union Academy neighborhood.
The City of Winter Park Parks and Recreation Department and the Equity Council Corp. held “A Night Under the Stars: Jazz & Jubilee” at the Winter Park Community Center and Shady Park. The Winter Park Library held an event titled “Juneteenth: Connecting the Dots.” Also, the Ninth Annual Juneteenth Celebration was held in Historic Hannibal Square with the theme “Knowing Remembering and Reclaiming Our Stories.” Also, the Hannibal Square Heritage Center held an opening reception for “See Through Our Eyes: Storytellers in Sanford and Eatonville.”