Along with Pride Month celebrations, the City of Alexandria is also hosting a series of events celebrating Juneteenth, the annual holiday on June 19 that observes the emancipation of enslaved Black Americans.
Juneteenth marks the day in 1865 when Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and officially proclaimed freedom for the remaining enslaved people in the state.
“As the significance of Juneteenth continues to grow across the nation, the City is eager to honor this historic occasion with a series of exciting events,” the city said in a release.
Events this month include:
Friday, June 14
- 10:30 a.m. Culture Queen: Juneteenth Jubilee. Free
Beatley Central Library 5005 Duke Street -Free
Join Grammy nominated performer Culture Queen for an interactive musical storytelling show and honor the meaning of the Juneteenth holiday. All ages.
Beatley Central Library Reading Garden.Saturday, June 15
- 11-12:30 a.m. Douglass Memorial Cemetery Remembrance. Free
Join supporters and volunteers at the historic Black cemetery to place purple ribbons of remembrance on the gravestones and attend a short ceremony following in honor of those buried in Douglass Cemetery and the Juneteenth holiday. Sponsored by the Social Responsibility Group (SRG) and the Friends of Douglass Cemetery. This annual event honors those buried at Alexandria’s historic African American Cemetery. Learn about plans for the preservation of this Alexandria landmark. All are welcome.Program includes speakers and tours of the Cemetery.
Parking. Limited seating. Please wear appropriate shoes for uneven terrain.Wednesday, June 19
- 1:30 p.m. Programming starts with storytelling / Concert at 2 p.m. Juneteenth Holiday at Market Square (300 King St.). Free
Join the Office of Historic Alexandria’s Division of African American History for storytelling (with Oumie and Vann Di Galloway) and music that celebrate Juneteenth and African American heritage. The Washington Revels Jubilee Voices will present a lively, interactive concert featuring traditional music, dance, and spoken word that celebrates Juneteenth, local stories, history, and the enduring legacy of the African American quest for freedom and equality. The event is weather dependent. This presentation is co-sponsored by Washington Revels and the Office of Historic Alexandria.
- All Day: Alexandria residents can tour any City-owned Museum for free! African American sites open for Juneteenth in Alexandria
*Freedom House Museum – 1315 Duke Street open from 11:00 am – 5:00 pm – 703.746.4702
*Alexandria Black History Museum – 902 Wythe Street open from 11:00 am – 5:00 pm – 703.746.4356Regular Hours for African American Sites in Alexandria
Alexandria Black History Museum
Thursdays and Fridays, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturdays, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Sundays, 1-5 p.m.
Freedom House Museum
Thursdays and Fridays, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturdays, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Sundays and Mondays, 1-5 p.m.
*Admission Charged / Free to Alexandria Residents
Visit alexandriava.gov/Museumsfor a list of City-owned museums and hours of operation. Saturday, June 22
- 11 a.m. Bench Dedication /Juneteenth Activities begin at Noon. Free
Charles Houston Recreation Center (CHR) 901 Wythe St.
11:00 a.m. – Noon – A Civil Rights Appreciation: Saying Their Names. This event includes the dedication of a Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial bench sponsored by McArthur Myers at the Charles Houston Recreation Center. Please gather at 10:30 a.m. for refreshments and remarks.
(no parking in the CHR parking lot that day due to Juneteenth activities that begin at Noon)
Noon – 6:00 p.m. -Juneteenth Activities at the Charles Houston Recreation Center parking lot. Enjoy food and retail vendors, a moon bounce, information tables, music, and performances.
