ATLANTA — Juneteenth is approaching its fourth year been recognized as an official holiday, but it has been a celebration in Georgia long before it reached national attention.
The federal holiday is celebrated annually on June 19 to commemorate the ending of slavery in the United States. The holiday, also dubbed "Freedom Day," celebrates liberation and a step toward equality. It is also used to reflect upon history and navigate progress to create an equitable society.
Many often celebrate the day through prayer, religious services, speeches, educational events, family gatherings and picnics, and festivals with food, music, and dancing.
Here are a few places you can celebrate Juneteenth in metro Atlanta. For more events this weekend, head here.
Juneteenth Atlanta Parade and Music Festival
It is a three-day festival that promises to be a high-spirited celebration of freedom, unity and equality. People can learn more about the festival by visiting juneteenthatl.com.
The parade will begin at noon on June 22. It will start on the Boulevard from Auburn Avenue and go to 10th Street. After the parade, the festival will be held at Piedmont Park from Friday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Juneteenth Atlanta 5k run
Juneteenth Atlanta is featuring a 5K Freedom Run.
Participants will get their marks at Piedmont Park on Sunday, June 23. The warm-up will begin at 7:30 a.m. to 8:50 a.m., and the race will start at 9 a.m.
Juneteenth Atlanta invites anyone who wants to run "for freedom, liberty, human rights, social justice, judicial reform and world peace."
Juneteenth Family Festival
The historic Oakland Cemetery will hold a FREE Juneteenth celebration for the whole family on June 15 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. There will be free tours, live music, food vendors and more.
The Black Everywhere Picnic
No blanket or picnic basket is needed. Black Everywhere celebrates Juneteenth at The Politan Row at Colony Square food hall, which features a curated mix of local food and beverage for the culinarily curious people with a variety of open-air spaces to gather and dine.
This event will be on June 15, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Colony Square, 1197 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta.
Juneteenth Inclusion Celebration
"Know the Past, Shape the Future" College Park invites the community to a full day of FREE activities. There will be a parade on Main Street June 19 starting at 10 a.m. The College Park City Auditorium will be screening Black Panther: Wakanda Forever movie on the lawn, a vendor fair and kids zone with DJ and live music in the evening.
High Art Museum Celebrates Juneteenth
The High Art Museum invites you to engage in art conversations, create art, and enjoy music and performances that celebrate the spirit of Juneteenth. This event is free, and all programs are first come, first served.
The Main Street Market Juneteenth Celebration
The Main Street Market is celebrating Juneteenth with a day filled with fun, food, and shopping. This event will be held on June 12, 5 p.m., at 7982 North Main Street, Jonesboro. There will be local vendors, handmade crafts, fresh produce, and snacks.
Juneteenth Celebration in Riverdale
The Soul Knights Troupe band will be paying homage to Black music excellence with a live performance on June 15, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., at the Riverdale Town Center amphitheater. The Caribbean Dancer of Atlanta and Still Walkers Caribbean Dancers of Atlanta will in attendance. This event is FREE, vendors, and food will be on site. Lawn chairs are recommended.
Do you have a Juneteenth event to add? Email Lwilliams3@11alive.com