Embracing Freedom Day
Commemorate the ending of slavery in America while in the United States' most celebratory city.
New Orleans offers many ideal locations and events to recognize and celebrate Juneteenth. From music festivals to food tastings and historical lectures, there is plenty to do while reminding us of both progress and the work that still needs to be done in the fight for equality in America. Here's a list of these events and things to do for this joyous celebration, which has finally been recognized in history.
Enjoy This Year's NOLA Juneteenth Festival
701 N. Rampart St. | nolajuneteenthfestival.org
NOLA Juneteenth Fest is a free annual two-day event celebrating the emancipation of enslaved peoples in the US. It is organized by the Louisiana Afro-Indigenous Society, which aims to examine Black liberation while centering wellness, economic development, and community. On June 19, the festival will gather at Congo Square, featuring live music, food vendors, art, and seminars. Be sure to check their website to see the full upcoming lineup. On June 20th, the Juneteenth Economic Summit will gather to discuss Black economic growth and community empowerment. The festival will culminate at the Freedom Gala, a ticketed event on the evening of June 20, featuring music, dancing, and art.
Experience the Magic of Congo Square in Armstrong Park
835 N. Rampart St.
Congo Square, located in Armstrong Park, was a historic meeting point for enslaved and free people of color during colonial Louisiana. It also played a significant role in the development of jazz music. Today, the square is a spiritual sanctuary for Voodoo practitioners and a great destination for history buffs and music lovers. A visit offers a unique opportunity to explore the Tremé neighborhood, as well as experience the palpable energy and historical significance of the place.
Tour the French Quarter with the New Orleans Slave Trade Marker App
neworleansslavetrade.org/new-page
Explore a dark period in New Orleans' history with the New Orleans Slave Trade Marker App. This app, which was created by the New Orleans Tricentennial Commission, provides a free audio guide for an immersive self-guided tour of significant sites during New Orleans' domestic slave trade. The tour of the French Quarter includes historical overviews, examinations of intersecting themes, and first-person accounts of enslaved individuals. You can download the app today and reflect on the city's past at your own pace.
Schedule an Artsy Visit at StudioBE
2941 Royal St. | studiobenola.com
StudioBE is a 36,000 sq. ft. gallery in New Orleans' Marigny/Bywater area. It was established in 2016 by artist Brandan Odums and showcases captivating artwork that brings to life the stories of New Orleans' revolutionaries, heroes, and everyday people. Visitors can choose guided or independent tours and can buy original works and pieces from the collection at the in-house merchandise shop. Keep an eye out for events and private art shows by talented local artists.
Drive by Tulane to See the Amistad Research Center
6823 St. Charles Ave. | amistadresearchcenter.org
Tulane University houses the oldest and most comprehensive collection of African American and ethnic minority histories in the U.S. The collection includes papers of artists, educators, authors, business leaders, clergy, lawyers, factory workers, farmers, and musicians, as well as over 250,000 photographs dating to 1859. It also features literary manuscripts from writers and poets of the Harlem Renaissance, as well as 1,100 works of African and African American art. Check out their website for more information.
Explore the African American Museum
1417 Governor Nicholls St. | noaam.org
The New Orleans African American Museum, founded in 1996 with the support of the city's Department of Housing and Neighborhood Development, is located in Tremé. Its mission is to preserve the history and culture of African Americans in New Orleans and the diaspora. The museum offers immersive exhibitions and public programs that explore the contributions of African Americans to the culture of New Orleans and America. On June 19, NOAAM is launching a new permanent exhibit titled "Ancestral Odyssey" by the London-based artist Vince Fraser. The installation utilizes state-of-the-art technology to explore the Black Masking Indians. There will be an opening reception on the night of Juneteenth at 8 p.m. The museum is open Thursday to Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., so make sure to schedule a visit to check out the exhibits.
Walk Around the Louisiana Civil Rights Museum
900 Convention Center Blvd. | louisianastatemuseum.org
Located in the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, the Louisiana Civil Rights Museum traces the impact of the national movement in the Pelican State. The curators divided the museum into three pathways: the Right to Assemble, the Right to Education, and the Right to Vote. Each examines the experiences of African Americans as they fought for justice and equality. The Louisiana Civil Rights Museum is open Tuesdays to Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and adult tickets can be purchased for $7 in person. Discounts are available for students, active military members, and seniors.
The Whitney Plantation Freedom Festival
5099 LA-18, Edgard, LA | whitneyplantation.org
The Whitney Plantation is hosting it's annual Juneteenth Freedom Festival to honor African American history and culture. Whitney Plantation is a non-profit museum dedicated to telling the undiluted story of slavery right where it happened. Visitors are self-guided with an award-winning audio tour with trained staff members available to expand on any of the information. On June 13, the grounds will celebrate Juneteenth with live music, panel discussions, food and art vendors, and free self-guided tours. Attendance is free for all visitors, but registration is required. Visit their website to learn more.
Stop by the Ashé Cultural Arts Center
1712 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd. | ashenola.org
Ashé Cultural Arts Center is more than an arts center; it's a cultural hub. Founded in December of 1998, Ashé was developed to "create and preserve opportunities for the curation, exhibition, and commission of fine, folk, and fine-folk art." Seeing the need for community members to have space, Ashé developed its 30,000 square feet of space into art exhibits, community events, and gatherings. With over 350 events a year, there's always a reason to stop by Ashé. From now until August 1, visitors can see "A Radical Imagination of Care: A Birthrite Exhibition" featuring over 40 artists.
Step Into the Backstreet Cultural Museum
1531 St. Philip St. | backstreetmuseum.org
The Backstreet Cultural Museum is a touchstone of African American culture and heritage in New Orleans. The museum started as a small display of founder Sylvester Francis' photographs and memorabilia of Mardi Gras Indians and, through community collaboration, has grown into one of the richest archival sources of jazz funerals, Mardi Gras Indians, baby dolls, and more. The museum tells the story of the historic Tremé neighborhood and the unique culture of New Orleans.
