Photo courtesy of Phoenix on the Cheap Media File
Juneteenth is a National and an Arizona holiday that marks the end of slavery. The date originally goes back to the end of slavery in Texas, June 19, 1866. Juneteenth has been celebrated yearly in Texas since then, and throughout the years, has spread across the country. It’s a day for all members of the community to share experiences by acknowledging and celebrating the African American influence on our country and on our state.
Here in the Valley of the Sun there are a number of FREE events celebrating Juneteenth this year:
Start the week off by celebrating at Freedom Day – Kickoff to Juneteenth 2022, at Murphy Park in Downtown Glendale, on Saturday, June 11, from 8 am to 9 pm. Bring those lawn chairs and blankets to relax and enjoy performances. Soul Food, Jamaican, and Middle Eastern food will be available to purchase. Unique to this celebration – Afrocentric Art to admire and purchase. Murphy Park is at 5812 West Glendale Avenue, Glendale, 85301. This event is free but register ahead of time at Freedom Day – Kickoff to Juneteenth 2022.
Join neighbors at the Valley of the Sun JUNETEENTH Celebration, at Eastlake Park, Downtown Phoenix, on Saturday, June 18, from 5 – 10 pm. Entertainment will be provided by local artists. Learn from community groups and education workshops. There will be free health screenings on site. Youth activities include age-appropriate activities and an essay contest. Plenty of authentic soul food will be available to purchase. Eastlake Park is at 1540 East Jefferson, Phoenix, 85034. This event is FREE, but register ahead of time at this link: Valley of the Sun JUNETEENTH Celebration.
No city celebrates with more gusto than Scottsdale at the 3rd Annual Juneteenth Freedom Celebration at Scottsdale Stadium, on Sunday, June 19, from 2 – 7 pm. Join this large celebration of family-oriented fun with food, live entertainment, history displays, and a kid’s corner. Raffle give-a-ways too! Scottsdale Stadium is at 7408 East Osborn Road, Scottsdale, 85251. This event is FREE, but register ahead of time at this link: 3rd Annual Juneteenth Freedom Celebration.
Remember the past and look forward to the future is the theme of Tempe History Museum’s Juneteenth Celebration, taking place on Saturday, June 18, from 11 am to 3 pm, at 809 East Southern Avenue, Tempe, 85282. This FREE event offers history, comedy, music, crafts, and food. Highlights include a presentation by Tempe Mayor Corey Woods. Local African Americans who’ve contributed to Tempe’s history will be honored. Click here for more information: Juneteenth Celebration.
Experience culture at A Celebration of Black Joy, Juneteenth Celebration, Center Point Plaza, also in Tempe, on Sunday, June 19, from 7 to 10 pm. Enjoy a Black Art showcase, live music, interactive education displays, and markets with both Black-owned vendors as well as international vendors. Center Point Plaza is at 660 South Mill Avenue, Tempe, 85281. Click here for more information: A Celebration of Black Joy.
Check out this site for more Juneteenth events in the Valley
