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.
Visit the Juneteenth Freedom Festival at Whitney Plantation
Saturday, June 14, whitneyplantation.org
Don't miss out on the third annual Juneteenth Freedom Festival at the Whitney Plantation in Edgard, LA. Celebrate, learn, and reflect with your whole family for free. Explore the Whitney museum, attend the "Black Rosies: Trailblazing Women Shaping the Future" panel, and watch the Maroon Band's performance. Shop for unique jewelry, crafts, and artwork, and taste delicious food and drinks from local vendors. Come from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and honor freedom while remembering the past.
Celebrate Juneteenth on The Creole Queen
Saturday, June 14, rockindownthehouseent.com
Get a group together for a Juneteenth celebration onboard the Paddlewheeler Creole Queen. Boarding begins at 6 p.m. and the ship is located at 1 Poydras St. The sailing time will be from 7 to 9 p.m. This is a super popular event, so be sure to lock in your tickets as soon as possible. The recommended attire is all black, but it is not required. Please note that this is a 21+ event with live entertainment and bars. Ticket prices start at $58.
Enjoy This Year's NOLA Juneteenth Festival
Thursday, June 19, nolajuneteenthfestival.org
The NOLA Juneteenth Festival is an annual event hosted by the Louisiana Afro-Indigenous Society. This vibrant celebration takes place from 12-5 p.m. in Congo Square and commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. The free festival offers a variety of activities including live music, art displays, food vendors, and educational workshops that honor the rich history and contributions of African Americans. There will also be a Juneteenth Freedom Gala on June 20. Keep an eye out for more information on this exciting festival.
Listen to "Songs of Victory" as the New Marigny Theater
Sunday, June 22, operacreole.org
OperaCréole is hosting a Juneteenth concert to celebrate the contributions of composers from African descent. The concert will highlight Edmond Dédé's "Morgiane," the oldest known opera by a Black American composer. Featuring soprano Lindsey Reynolds and founder Givonna Joseph, "Songs of Victory" honors the impact of Black artists on classical music. The concert takes place from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the New Marigny Theater, with tickets priced at $30.
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 New Orleans 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. 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.
