Juneteenth, also known as Black Independence Day Emancipation Day or Jubilee Day, celebrates the abolition of the slavery of African Americans. June 19 is recognized as Juneteeth, marking the day in 1865 that Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger traveled to Galveston, Texas, to inform enslaved Black people of President Abraham Lincoln’s signing of the Emancipation Proclamation two-and-a-half years prior.
On Tuesday, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act to establish Juneteenth as a federal holiday. On Wednesday, the U.S. House subsequently passed the measure on a 415-14 vote. President Joe Biden is slated to sign the bill into law today, June 17.
In Southwest Florida, a number of events celebrating and commemorating Juneteenth are scheduled for this weekend. Here’s a list:
- The Florida Gulf Coast University Multicultural & Leadership Development Center is conducting a panel discussion in the Cohen Student Union ballroom with remote participation via Zoom. The discussion takes place from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., June 17. To participate RSVP online here.
- FGCU will host a Juneteenth Cookout celebration featuring storytelling, poetry, music and food from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., Friday, June 18 on the South Village lawn
- The Edison Mall at 4125 Cleveland Ave., Fort Myers, celebrates Juneteenth with a day of family-friendly and child-centered activities, music, arts & crafts, storytelling and giveaways from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Local nonprofit organizations will also be involved. The celebration will be located in front of Love Culture near Entrance E of the mall. Register here.
- Botanical Brewing Tap Room at 839 Miramar St., Cape Coral, holds a Unify Juneteenth Celebration Saturday, June 19 from 8 p.m. until 2 a.m. featuring musicians, poets, dancers and artists as well as Black-owned businesses and entrepreneurs. There’s a $5 cover and vendor space is still available. Find more information here.
- CAN Community Health at 4440 Fruitville Rd., Sarasota is holding a Juneteenth Celebration from 9 a.m. to noon including barbecue, bounce houses, games, a dunking booth and a live DJ.
- Sarasota’s Newtown community is celebrating Juneteenth with a free block party on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way near Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park. The event features music, food and local vendors. It’s being hosted by the Sarasota Democratic Black Caucus and the Sarasota County Democratic party.
- Ward Temple AME Church/Adams Young Family Life Center at 1017 Fifth St. W., Bradenton hosts a Juneteenth celebration Saturday, June 19 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
- Rodney’s Jamaican Grill at 814 8th Ave W, in Palmetto hosts a pre-Juneteenth reggae celebration Friday, June 18 starting at 9:30 p.m. The event features local reggae favorite Jah Movement. There’s a $10 cover.
- TBP Productions, LLC holds a Juneteenth Experience at Cottonmouth Southern Soul Food Restaurant, 1114 12th St W., in Bradenton on Saturday, June 19 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. The event includes guest speakers and musical entertainment. Find more information here.
