Juneteenth, also known as Emancipation Day, Juneteenth Independence Day, and Black Independence Day, is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the end of the American Civil War and slavery. It was June 19, 1865, when Major Gen. Gordon Granger traveled to Galveston, Texas and announced – 2½ years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation, which had become official Jan. 1, 1863 – that the Civil War had ended, and all enslaved people were to be freed.
Since then, countless communities have celebrated June 19 as the official day of Emancipation. According to the United States Library of Congress, “communities have developed their own traditions. As families migrated from Texas to other parts of the United States, they carried the Juneteenth celebrations with them.”
JUNETEENTH FREEDOM CELEBRATION: The Palm Beach County Sheree Davis Cunningham Black Women Lawyers Association, also known as SDCBWLA, hosts its annual signature event, Thursday, Jun 19, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m., at the Manatee Lagoon, 6000 N. Flagler Dr., West Palm Beach. Call 561-655-9279, register at pbc-sdcbwla.org/2025-juneteenth-freedom-celebration
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JUNETEENTH AT PAMM:
Thursday with The Harden Project Duo, June 19, 6-8 p.m. Enjoy a performance the waterfront terrace with happy hour specials at Verde restaurant and bar. Inside the museum, join a Black art tour, participate in art-making activities with local artists, or explore new exhibitions and permanent collection galleries until 9 p.m.
Juneteenth Black Art Tours, June 19, noon, 2, 5 and 6 p.m. Join a guided tour spotlighting African American contributions to contemporary art, including Gordon Parks, Kwame Brathwaite and Samuel Fosso.
Free with admission to the Pérez Art Museum, 1103 Biscayne Blvd., Miami. Admission to galleries $18 for adults and free for PAMM members. Visit pamm.org
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SPADY JUNETEENTH MURAL WORKSHOP: Young adult and adult participants worked together in the Spady Museum’s five-day mural workshop to create three vibrant mobile murals that will be unveiled on Juneteenth, June 19, and displayed on the museum fence, 170 NW 5th Ave., Delray Beach. Space is limited, call 561279-8883.
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JUNETEENTH AT BOOKS & BOOKS: A special evening with acclaimed chef, culinary innovator, and storyteller Chef Jeff Johnson, in celebration of his debut cookbook “Seasonal Roots: Fresh Favorites for Every Season,” taking place on Thursday, June 19, 7 p.m., at the Coral Gables Books & Books location, 265 Aragon Ave., offering a rich tribute to African American culinary heritage, community, and the art of cooking with fresh, seasonal ingredients. Admission is free, registration is encouraged at bit.ly/chef-jeff-event. Guests will have the opportunity to purchase or pre-order the cookbook and receive signed copies.
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SPADY RECOGNIZES JUNETEENTH: Visitors are invited to visit the Spady Museum, 170 NW 5th Ave., Delray Beach, on Juneteenth, June 19, and experience three different exhibits – “Juneteenth Outdoor Installation,” “New Beginnings” and “Water Works Distillation” – each exploring a different facet of local, Black culture and life, in celebration of the historical day of emancipation for America’s enslaved people in 1865. Call 561-279-8883.
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JUNETEENTH BLACK HISTORY ZOOM SUMMIT: Instead of just celebrating Juneteenth this year, let’s empower ourselves with four hours of free online programming hosted on the Zoom platform, Thursday, June 19, noon – 4 p.m. Discover how reconnecting with your roots can empower you, inspire your journey, change everything you thought you knew about Black history and your responsibilities to future generations. Visit store.urbanintellectuals.com/op/jtsummit25
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THE SPEAKEASY: Juneteenth edition with William ‘Kooly” Scott and the Kooly Scott Band, Thursday, June 19, 7 – 10 p.m. at Destination Sistrunk Cultural Center, 1033 Northwest 6th St. Fort Lauderdale.
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STORIES IN MOTION: Celebrate freedom through a vibrant Juneteenth performance featuring diverse dance genres that showcase the rich cultural expressions of the African diaspora, Thursday, June 19, 5 – 6:15 p.m., 700 S. Rosemary Ave., West Palm Beach. Stay after the show for an interactive African Dance Class, open to all levels, no experience needed, visit naturalmovers.org/
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NATIONAL DUMP THE PUMP DAY: Sponsored by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) on the third Thursday in June, this year the 19th, encourages public transportation instead of driving to save fuel and money and contribute to a healthier environment. Check your local transit routes.
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DESTINATION JUNETEENTH: A Boots on the Ground Celebration hosted by the African American Research Library and Cultural Center as a meaningful ceremony to honor the emancipation of enslaved African Americans, Friday, June 20, 6 to 10 p.m., 2650 Sistrunk Blvd., Fort Lauderdale. Travel the African-American journey to freedom through an enriching cultural experience of lively music, southern food, dancing, storytelling, poetry and celebration of the past and future. Attendees can look forward to engaging discussions about the ongoing fight for justice and equality with emcee Traci Cloyd. The evening will include light refreshments, drinks and a special tribute to Black Cowboys by South Florida Cowboy, Travis T-Dogg Gammage. To RSVP call 954-806-1462, email friendsofaarlcc@gmail.com or register at broward.libnet.info/event/13192502.
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JUNETEENTH CONCERT WITH N2NATION: Motown grooves, food and powerful reflections on the journey, Friday, June 20, 7 – 9 p.m., Royal Palm Beach Commons, 11600 Poinciana Blvd., Royal Palm Beach.
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CORAL SPRINGS JUNETEENTH: Honor the commemoration with an evening of culture, entertainment and community, Friday, June 20, starting at 5:30 p.m. with a complimentary pre-party, Coral Springs Center for the Arts.
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JUNETEENTH AT TUNES ‘N TRUCKS: Bring your lawn chair or blanket to the City of Sunrise City Park, 6600 Sunset Strip, on Friday, June 20 from 6 – 9 p.m. for a celebration of culture and community for all ages, with free admission, live music, and food trucks, high-energy performances by the Valerie Tyson Band, Piper High School’s Band of Pride, and the Men of Impact Step Team, bringing rhythm, pride, and power to the stage, along with a vibrant Empower Market spotlighting Black-owned businesses and entrepreneurs.
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COFFEE & CREAM: The Juneteenth Festival in Boynton Beach is a familyfriendly celebration of freedom and a vibrant showcase fostering unity and cultural appreciation, offering a range of activities and experiences for all ages, Friday, June 20, noon – 5 p.m. at Sara Sims Park, 7400 Lake Worth Rd., Lake Worth Corridor. A variety of food trucks and vendors will be present, live music performances will captivate the audience, filling the air with soulful melodies. Children will have a blast with bounce houses, face painting, and engaging games like Legos and Connect Four.
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ART: BY ANY MEANS NECESSARY: Film event in partnership with the Public Humanities Lab at FIU, free, Saturday, June 21, 6:30 – 10:30 p.m., Overtown Performing Arts Center, 1074 NW 3rd Ave., Miami. invites the public to imagine bold futures for artist/cultural spaces with an evening of film, live music, and a town hall-style panel on how cultural freedom and community power can thrive. A bold documentary and global impact campaign by filmmaker Rachelle Salnave explores how artists in Haiti and Guadeloupe reclaimed abandoned cultural spaces to resist erasure and affirm their creative autonomy: stories of defiance that speak to a larger movement, one that sees art as a human right and creative spaces as essential to cultural survival.
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JUNETEENTH AFTER DARK: A family-friendly free celebration of unity and culture with fun for everyone, hosted by the City of Riviera Beach Parks & Recreation Department, Saturday, June 21, 4 – 9 p.m., Dan Calloway Amphitheatre, 1420 W 10th St., Riviera Beach. With live music by Majic, DJ Dady Phats spinning the hottest tracks, games for all ages, bounce houses, food vendors, line dancing. Bring your family, your friends, and your dancing shoes! Call 561-845-4070.
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HOUSING EXPO AND RESOURCE FAIR: Your one-stop event for expert advice, financial resources and community support to make homeownership a reality, hosted by the Urban League of Broward County, Saturday, June 21, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., 560 NW 27th Ave, Fort Lauderdale. Free raffles and prizes will be available at the door. Visit ulbroward.org
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JUNETEENTH OF PALM BEACH COUNTY: Join our 5th Annual festival celebrating Unity and Black Excellence HBCU Edition, Sunday, Jun 22, 5 -10 p.m., Meyer Amphitheater, 211 S. Narcissus Ave., West Palm Beach. Pull up a chair. It’s a day filled with food, fun, music, community resources, vendors, games and activities for all ages. Visit JuneteenthPBC.org.
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FIT & FOCUSED: Lauderhill Mayor Denise D. Grant, the South Florida Caribbean Conference, and Our Father’s Kingdom Ministries International present a free day filled with activities, health services, and opportunities for community connection for all ages, June 21, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Inverrary Community Center, 3300 Inverrary Blvd. Visit lauderhill-fl.gov.
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“AIN’T TOO PROUD”: The Life and Times of The Temptations, June 24 – 29 at the Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, 701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach, is the electrifying smash-hit Broadway musical that follows the legendary quintet Billboard Magazine named the greatest R&B group of all time, on their extraordinary journey from the streets of Detroit to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Nominated for 12 Tony Awards and the winner of the 2019 Tony Award for Best Choreography, it’s a thrilling story of brotherhood, family, loyalty, and betrayal during a decade of civil unrest in America, set to the beat of treasured hits including “My Girl,” “Just My Imagination,” “Get Ready,” and “Papa Was a Rolling Stone” and “Ain’t Too Proud.” Visit Kravis.org or call the box office at 561832-7469.
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STILL WE RISE EXHIBITION: In Celebration of Juneteenth, accclaimed muralist Addonis Parker’s work is now on view through Aug. 30 at The ARC, 675 Ali Baba Avenue, Opa-locka. Still We Rise invites viewers to explore Parker’s rich tapestry which confronts social injustice and celebrates Black culture. His art encompasses a diverse range of mediums, styles, and themes while reminding us that art is not only a form of expression but also a tool for change, a means of preserving memory, and a source of hope. Visit tennorthgroup.com.
JUNE AT THE ARSHT: The Adrienne Arsht Center, 1300 Biscayne Blvd., Miami, 305-949-6722, ArshtCenter.org, presents. *All programs, artists, ticket prices, availability, dates and times are subject to change without notice. Visit ArshtCenter.org for up-to-date information. “Chicago”
You’ve been warned: “Chicago” is dangerously entertaining. Great seats are still available for the smash-hit American musical in Broadway and West End history, seen by more than 34 million people worldwide, in 38 countries and more than 525 cities, playing through June 22, tickets $35-$155, part of the Broadway in Miami series. A universal tale of fame, fortune, and all that jazz, with one showstopping song after another and the most astonishing dancing you’ve ever seen. Broadway’s longest-running musical has been razzle dazzling audiences for 27 years, more than 10,000 performances, 6 Tony Awards, 2 Olivier Awards and a Grammy.
Gospel Fest Miami: The Gospel Train Screening
June 20, 7 p.m. To kick off the inaugural Gospel Fest Miami weekend, audiences are invited to a free screening of the opening installment of the captivating Henry Louis Gates, Jr. docuseries “Gospel,” which delves deep into the origin story of gospel music and its profound connections to spirituality, sermon, and song. The enlightening journey traces the roots of this powerful genre, showcasing the rich cultural history and the voices that have shaped its evolution. After the screening, engage in an insightful conversation with gospel pioneer and Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award winner Dr. Bobby Jones, who will share his perspective on the impact of gospel music on popular culture. As the host and executive producer of “Bobby Jones Gospel,” which premiered on BET in 1980, he revolutionized the presentation of gospel music to a national audience. Over its impressive 35-year run, the show introduced a new generation of artists, including CeCe Winans and Kirk Franklin, and broadcasted globally, reaching millions beyond the U.S. in countries such as England and Nigeria. An accomplished gospel artist himself, Jones has a Grammy Award for his duet, “I’m So Glad I’m Standing Here Today,” with Barbara Mandrell.
Gospel Fest Miami, Preshow Conversation, Gospel and Civil Rights June 21, 5 p.m. Peacock Education Center, free, RSVP at arshtcenter.org/flexpackage/?packageId=2141. This thought-provoking pre-show conversation will explore the vital role of gospel music in the Civil Rights Movement. The engaging discussion with local experts will illuminate how gospel served as a powerful tool for freedom, empowerment and resilience during a pivotal time in American history. Through historical insights, attendees will uncover how music inspired hope and mobilized change in the quest for justice and equality.
Gospel Fest Miami: Michelle Williams and Special Guests June 21, 7 p.m., tickets $30-$65. The Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter, actress and mental health advocate brings her soulful energy for one night only, alongside Gamaliel Fleurantin and Community Sounds, the winners of the 2025 Arsht Gospel Choir Invitational, and a group of South Florida gospel artists. Gospel Fest Miami, Preshow Conversation, Cultural Impact of Gospel June 22, 5 p.m., free, RSVP at arshtcenter.org/flex-package/?packageId=2141. This enlightening pre-show conversation explores the cultural impact of gospel music as the foundation and influence for many mainstream and popular genres today. Our expert panel will discuss how the emotional depth and spiritual fervor of gospel have shaped everything from rock and roll, soul to R&B and hip-hop. Attendees will gain insights into the ways in which gospel’s rich sounds and themes have crossed boundaries and resonated with audiences worldwide. This dialogue promises to reveal the rich legacy of gospel music and its lasting footprint on secular music.
Gospel Fest Miami: Tye Tribbett featuring Danielle Davis and Revolution Choir, Gia Wyre and Sensere Sunday, June 22, 7 p.m., free; First Access Passes available at arshtcenter.org/flex-package/?packageId=2141. Three-time Grammy Award winner and gospel superstar Tye Tribbett headlines the grand finale of Gospel Fest Miami, alongside South Florida’s brightest gospel stars including Gia Wyre, Danielle Davis and the Revolution Choir and Sensere.
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