By: Shayne Benowitz
Juneteenth comes to life in Greater Miami with these fun and interactive events
Juneteenth is a holiday commemorating June 19, 1865 – the day enslaved Blacks in Texas were informed that slavery had been abolished two years earlier and that they were free. More broadly, it’s a day to celebrate Black history and culture. Greater Miami celebrates this important day through art, music, food, film and dance events. Read on to learn how you can enjoy activities in Greater Miami to honor this momentous date in American history.
SATURDAY, JUNE 12
Pre-Juneteenth Black Business Expo
Ahead of the Juneteenth festivities, on June 12 starting at 11 a.m., get some networking in and support Black-owned businesses at the Pre-Juneteenth Black Business Expo in Miami Gardens. The day is an opportunity to get to know Miami’s Black business community and enjoy great food, drink and music.
SUNDAY, JUNE 13
Shorts Under the Stars: Celebrating Black Stories
In partnership with the Miami Short Film Festival, the Deering Estate presents Shorts Under the Stars: Celebrating Black Stories on June 13 in honor of Juneteenth. Gates open at 5:30 p.m., with the first of seven short film screenings starting at 7 p.m. The films range from narratives to a music video, including “Ache,” directed by Florida filmmaker Sharkey Weinberg. A limited number of tickets are available for $20 and must be purchased online in advance. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets, lawn chairs and food to enjoy during the screenings.
MONDAY, JUNE 14
Zen and the Art of Juneteenth Community Panel/Zoom Conversation
The Betsy Hotel is holding this Juneteenth Community Panel virtual event on June 14 at 7 p.m. The pre-recorded event features five esteemed panelists contemplating the history of Juneteenth and the meaning behind it.
TUESDAY, JUNE 15
Juneteenth: Discussing the History, Meaning and How It’s Celebrated
As part of the City of Miami Beach’s Juneteenth Celebration, this discussion is being streamed live on the City of Miami Beach's Facebook page on June 15 at 6 p.m. Panelists include Janey Tate, Editor in Chief of HyLo News Miami; Kunya Rowley, Founder and Artistic Director of Hued Songs; and Dr. Robert Morris, Professor at Broward College.
SATURDAY, JUNE 19
City of Miami Beach Presents: Juneteenth Day of Freedom
The City of Miami Beach continues its celebration of this holiday with Juneteenth Day of Freedom at the rainbow eucalyptus tree at Pride Park on June 19 from 9 to 10 a.m. The event will also be streamed live on the City of Miami Beach Facebook page. In addition to performances by the Peter London Dance Company, poet Rebecca Butterfly Vaughns and the New World School of the Arts High School Jazz Band, the event honors two young residents of Miami Beach: Egyptia Green, who held Black Lives Matter demonstrations every Sunday for a year, and Leandra Hall, a high school senior who won the Miami Herald Silver Knight award for creating “AfroTechie” to give minority children access to STEM education.
Bahas Reunion
Join the Bahas Reunion at Buccaneer Park in Miami Gardens for this Juneteenth celebration on June 19 starting at 11 a.m. The annual gathering is a free family-friendly event with games, light refreshments and a water play area for all to enjoy. Bring the family and pack your own lunch, or purchase food from one of the many food trucks that will be on site for the afternoon.
Juneteenth Miami Freedom Fry & Dance Festival
The third annual Juneteenth Miami Freedom Fry & Dance Festival in Miami Gardens starts at noon on June 19. It celebrates the American values of freedom, progress and unity signified by this historic day of emancipation. Enjoy a wide variety of Black American cuisine, from Tennessee barbecue to Georgia soul food, Louisiana Creole and the Gullah Geechie fare of the Coastal Carolinas, along with freedom punch. The family-friendly celebration promises live music, visual arts and poetry, as well as interactive arts and crafts for children.
Hungry Black Man Juneteenth Food & Music Festival
Celebrate 156 years of freedom at the Hungry Black Man Juneteenth Food & Music Festival at the North Beach Bandshell Sand Bowl from noon to 6 p.m. on June 19. The whole family is welcome to enjoy soul food (including vegan options), Afro-Caribbean treats, an afternoon of joyful music and an interactive kids’ play village.
City of Miami’s 20th Annual Juneteenth Commemoration Celebration
The City of Miami and partners are hosting the 20th Annual Juneteenth Commemoration Celebration at Reeves Park in Historic Overtown, from noon to 8 p.m. on June 19. This year’s theme is “Black Family: Representation, Identity, Equity and Diversity.” The family-friendly celebration includes food, vendors, Junkanoo, arts & crafts, and live entertainment hosted by Ingrid B., with performances by J. Holiday, LaVie, Melodic Vibrations and Jalisa Faye.
The Juneteenth Experience
Come out to the North Beach Bandshell on June 19 for The Juneteenth Experience, a multidisciplinary, immersive performance depicting the past, present and future of Juneteenth. This event celebrates freedom, community, Black arts and culture, and Black Miami. Presented by Hued Songs and the Rhythm Foundation through the City of Miami Beach's Arts in the Parks program, The Juneteenth Experience is directed by Michelle Grant Murray and Wilkie Ferguson III. Doors open at 6 p.m. for the free performance in front of a limited, in-person audience. The show will also be livestreamed for free.
Juneteenth Celebration Art Showcase
The Juneteenth Celebration Art Showcase at Clutch Couture Presents The Clutch Bar in Miami Gardens features a wide array of Black artists in a party presented by Brush Elements and emceed by Marsha Cotton. With doors opening at 6 p.m. on June 19, the evening includes live body painting, makeup artists and a showcase of visual artists displaying works that depict what Juneteenth means to them.
Juneteenth Celebration of Music
The Betsy Hotel is celebrating Juneteenth with live jazz in the lobby from 6 to 11 p.m. on June 19 and live poetry and music at The Betsy Poetry Rail, in the alley next to the hotel, from 9 to 9:30 p.m. Pianist Allen C. Paul performs in the jazz event, along with guest vocalists Leesa Richards, Brenda Alford and Nicole Yarling. Carole Ann Taylor is hosting the event, and she will also perform. The poetry portion features poets Rebecca Butterfly Vaughns and Geoffrey Philp, who tackle themes of African American history in their work. Jazz saxophonist and peace activist Gregory LeDon will improvise alongside them.
The Miami Hotel Months program kicks off in June, so take advantage of special offers at Greater Miami hotels when you visit for the Juneteenth festivities.