Juneteenth celebrations continue this week with comedian Preacher Lawson, film festival, fashion shows
Honoring the Black journey toward equality and recognition in American history, this year’s Juneteenth events run the gamut from art exhibits, concerts and fashion shows to dance performances, storytelling presentations and film screenings.
Both Broward and Palm Beach county library systems, for example, have big plans — offering activities throughout the month at their different branches. (Visit broward.org/library and pbclibrary.org for all the details.)
Juneteenth (June 19) marks the day in 1865 when federal troops arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas, to bring word that the Civil War had ended and that the enslaved were free. The message arrived two and a half years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation had become official on Jan. 1, 1863.
Many celebrations took place last week, and some were canceled due to rains and flooding. Here’s an updated look at what’s planned this week in Broward and Palm Beach counties.
BROWARD COUNTY
Coral Springs
A pre-party will kick off the Juneteenth Celebration at 6 p.m. Wednesday, June 19, at Coral Springs Center for the Arts, 2855 Coral Springs Drive, with performances, a DJ, fashion showcase, arts and crafts, free snacks from Black-owned businesses, and beverages available for purchase. At 8 p.m., “America’s Got Talent” finalist comedian Preacher Lawson will take the stage for an all-ages show. Tickets start at $35 for nonresidents and $25 for residents (use code BESTDAYEVER at checkout; proof of residency required). Visit coralsprings.gov.
Fort Lauderdale
JUNE 14 PERFORMANCE CANCELED BUT NOT JUNE 18-19// The Juneteenth Experience, presented by Hued Songs, will include vocalists, a band, dance, poetry and digital scenes at 6:30 p.m. Friday, June 14, at Wells Hall at The Parker, 707 NE Eighth St. Filmmakers will screen their short films spotlighting Black liberation and belonging. Tickets are $25-$90. Additional performances are set for 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 18, and Wednesday, June 19, at the Colony Theatre in Miami. Visit huedsongs.org/juneteenth.
What’s in the Box LIVE Presents “Juneteenth: Past, Present and Future” will feature a panel discussion with educator and instructional designer Renee O’Connor and award-winning teacher, digital storyteller and corporate trainer Nerissa Street from 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, June 19, at Victory Black Box Theatre on the third floor of the L.A. Lee YMCA/Mizell Community Center, 1409 NW Sixth St. Visit ymcasouthflorida.org/victory-black-box-theatre.
Juneteenth Mini Film Festival: Celebrating Hope & Resilience will show three films at Savor Cinema, 503 SE Sixth St., Fort Lauderdale, based on true stories that reflect strength and perseverance in the face of adversity. Before each screening, a reception will take place at 6 p.m. with entertainment or special guests. The films, which start at 6 p.m., include “Miss Virginia” (Tuesday, June 18), “Freedom Hair” (Wednesday, June 19), and “Kemba” (Thursday, June 20). Visit fliff.com/juneteenth for free tickets provided by the Jewish Federation of Broward County’s Community Relations Council/Alcee L. Hastings Broward Black-Jewish Alliance.
Lauderhill
Juneteenth Celebration Weekend at the Lauderhill Performing Arts Center, 3800 NW 11th Place, encompasses three events:
- LiT Café, a visual art showcase with a DJ and food, from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, June 20. Admission is free, but donations for the Bessie Coleman Black Genius in Flight Annual Scholarship will be accepted. Visit showpass.com/lit-cafe.
- A Night of Synergy, honoring Pride Month and Black Music Month, will have a pop-up art gallery, fashion show, comedy, music and dancing from 8 to 10:30 p.m. Friday, June 21. Tickets are $21 at showpass.com/a-night-of-synergy.
- Reimagined: Juneteenth Unchained, a concert with Sons of Mystro and Friends, along with Yung Wylin, from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, June 22. Tickets are $40 at showpass.com/imagination-unchained.
Miramar
Everyone is invited to Juneteenth Family Day from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, June 19, at Miramar City Hall Plaza, 2300 Civic Center Place. Take part in interactive games about culture, history and art, plus enjoy a step show performance, pop-up African art exhibit, crafts. free books (while supplies last) and other activities. Free admission. Visit eventbrite.com.
Pompano Beach
The city has planned art, culture and history events surrounding the Juneteenth holiday throughout the month, including “Amara Chi: Joanne Hampstead’s Solo Exhibition” at the Pompano Beach Cultural Center, 23rd Annual Blues and Sweet Potato Pie Festival at Apollo Park, “Good Jeans and Brown Suga: Joshua “Mo” Buron’s Photo Exhibition” at Ali Cultural Center, movie night and a film series. Visit pompanobeachfl.gov/events/juneteenth for a full schedule.
Sunrise
The Tunes ‘N Trucks Juneteenth Celebration will feature Motown and R&B music performed by the Krush Party Band and a variety of food trucks on Friday, June 21, at City Park, 6600 Sunset Strip. Food trucks open at 6 p.m., and the band takes the stage at 7 p.m. Bring a blanket or lawn chair. Free admission. Visit Facebook.com/CityOfSunrise.
Wilton Manors
Community leaders Anthony Winn, Lorenzo Robertson and Tiffany Arieagus will be honored at the Juneteenth Urban Mixer: A Celebration of Pride and Legacy from 7 to 10 p.m. Wednesday, June 19, at No Manors Bar & Lounge, 2246 Wilton Drive. The night of music, dance, art exhibits and a panel discussion will celebrate Pride Month and the legacy of Black culture. An after-party will follow from 11 p.m. to 2 a.m. General admission is free. Donations will be accepted at the door. VIP and high-top seating cost $25. Visit eventbrite.com.
PALM BEACH COUNTY
West Palm Beach
Honoring Juneteenth at Rohi’s Readery: Black Brilliance and Heritage will celebrate the holiday with music and stories from 10 a.m, to 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 19, at the bookstore in CityPlace, 700 S. Rosemary Ave., No. 130. Activities include a music class for toddlers, Black heritage storytime and art, and a screening of the documentary “Stamped from the Beginning.” Free admission. Register at Eventbrite.com.
