2022 New Haven Juneteenth Events & Celebrations

History of Juneteenth

Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. Dating back to 1865, it was on June 19th that the Union soldiers, led by Major General Gordon Granger, landed at Galveston, Texas with news that the war had ended and that the enslaved were now free. Note that this was two and a half years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation – which had become official January 1, 1863. The Emancipation Proclamation had little impact on the Texans due to the minimal number of Union troops to enforce the new Executive Order. However, with the surrender of General Lee in April of 1865, and the arrival of General Granger’s regiment, the forces were finally strong enough to influence and overcome the resistance.

Today, Juneteenth symbolizes the celebration of African American freedom and achievement, while encouraging continuous self-development and respect for all cultures. As it takes on a more national, symbolic and even global perspective, the events of 1865 in Texas are not forgotten, for all of the roots tie back to this fertile soil from which a national day of pride is growing. – JUNETEENTH.COM

New Haven Juneteenth Events

June 17

Juneteenth Celebration
Stetson Library, 197 Dixwell Avenue
4pm – 7pm
Hosted by:  The Official Juneteenth Coalition of Greater New Haven
Click for event details.

June 18

Juneteenth Flag Raising
New Haven Green, 250 Temple Street
10:30 am
Hosted by:  The City of New Haven

Juneteenth: Full Circle
7:00 pm
New Haven Green, 250 Temple Street
Hosted by: International Festival of Arts & Ideas
Click for event details.

June 19

Juneteenth – Witness Stones
12:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Pardee Morris House, 325 Lighthouse Road
Hosted by: New Haven Museum
Click for event details.

Juneteenth Village
1:00 pm
New Haven Green, 250 Temple Street
Hosted by: International Festival of Arts & Ideas
Click for event details.

Juneteenth Ride
2:00 pm
New Haven Green, 250 Temple Street
Hosted by: International Festival of Arts & Ideas and Black & Brown Soul Cyclists
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Black Food with Bryan Terry
3:00 pm
Yale Repertory Theatre, 1120 Chapel Street
Hosted by: International Festival of Arts & Ideas
Click for event details.