By: Maika Moulite
Juneteenth, a portmanteau of “June” and “nineteenth,” commemorates the day 250,000 African Americans were finally informed that they had been freed from slavery. Though President Abraham Lincoln had issued the Emancipation Proclamation two years prior, effectively freeing all enslaved African Americans in Confederate states, the executive order was not enforced in Texas until the arrival of federal troops in Galveston in 1865. As Black people migrated to other parts of the country, the tradition of celebrating Juneteenth spread with them, and the holiday was officially signed into law on June 17, 2021. Today, Juneteenth is regarded as a day to honor Black history and culture. Read on to discover how you can observe Juneteenth 2022 throughout Greater Miami & Miami Beach.
Juneteenth Freedom Day Celebration at Florida International University
Saturday, June 11 - Saturday, June 18
Florida International University will hold its second annual Juneteenth Freedom Day Celebration with the theme, “Educate, Celebrate and Heal” from June 11 - June 18. Events include the Nova Star Juneteenth Scholarship Pageant, a showcase of the Black History 101 Mobile Museum, an art crawl, a financial literacy workshop and more. The weeklong festivities will culminate with the Freedom Day Celebration on June 18 at the Dotson Family Pavilion located on FIU’s Modesto A. Maidique Campus.
Juneteenth Juke Joint at The Adrienne Arsht Center
Thursday, June 16
The Adrienne Arsht Center launches its inaugural Juneteenth Juke Joint on Thursday, June 16. The festivities honor Black history via a celebration of music, culture and food. Pan-African beats curated by DJ Nickymix and soulful vocals presented by Miami R&B singer LaVie will set the ambiance. Be sure to arrive at 6:30 p.m. when doors open to enjoy soul food-inspired bites and delicious drinks.
Celebration at the Sandrell Rivers Theater
Saturday, June 18
Fantasy Theatre Factory at the Sandrell Rivers Theater’s Juneteenth celebration is centered around liberation. Local community leaders will lead workshops presented throughout the conference, emphasizing financial, creative, social, mental and physical freedom. Programming will start at 4 p.m.
The Juneteenth Experience at the North Beach Bandshell
Sunday, June 19
Hued Songs presents The Juneteenth Experience at the North Beach Bandshell. This multidisciplinary and immersive event will include spoken word and dance performances presented by a diverse cast of artists. The event is free with RSVP and made possible with support from the Knight Foundation, the National Endowment for the Arts and the Miami-Dade Department of Cultural Affairs. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
2022 Juneteenth Park-In & Party: We Are One! at Calder Casino
Sunday, June 19
The City of Miami Gardens’ second annual Juneteenth Park-In & Party will take place at Calder Casino with the theme, “We Are One!” The event is free and open to the public. It will be hosted by Miami Gardens comedian Marvin Dixon and will include musical selections by DJ Bo Weezy and other local acts. The $50 VIP package includes special entrance and seating as well as dinner, a signature drink and a swag bag.