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Celebrate Juneteenth with NYC Kids: African-American History Comes Alive on the Anniversary of Emancipation
When kids learn about the history of slavery in the United States of America, it is, of course, taught with a great deal of gravitas. But this month, New York City families can experience the jubilation of emancipation at various Juneteenth celebrations that commemorate the abolition of slavery.
A combination of the words June and nineteenth, the holiday of African-American independence dates back to June 19, 1865, when Civil War General Gordon Granger arrived in Texas to claim the state for the Union and make sure the slaves were freed. (This was two and a half years after President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation, believe it or not.) As of 2012, 41 states including New York recognize the occasion, and families can celebrate Juneteeth at various kid-friendly festivals and gatherings this month.
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Juneteenth Celebration 2012 – Harlem
116th Street between Lenox and Fifth Avenues
Saturday, June 16 10am-7pm
FREE
This festive street fair promises to venerate the ancestors by providing multiple activities for their descendants, especially children. There will be musical performances, yummy food and awesome motorcycle stunts by the NYC's Ruff Ryders.
Fort Greene Juneteenth Festival – Fort Greene
Cuyler Gore Park, Fulton Street and Greene Avenue
Saturday, June 16 noon-6pm
FREE
This afternoon fete features musical acts, dance troupes, film screenings and historic tours of African-American Brooklyn (including stops on the Underground Railroad). Come early as it tends to get packed as the day goes on.
Go Fish-Family Performance with Valerie June and Friends – Battery Park City
Wagner Park, north of Battery Park, off Battery Place
Saturday, June 16 at 12:30pm
FREE
In honor of Juneteenth, Valerie June and her bandmates play banjo and guitar from the Tennessee countryside in the park. Kids can also go catch-and-release fishing.
Humble Village & Juneteenth History Quilt Exhibition – Crown Heights
Brooklyn Children's Museum, 145 Brooklyn Avenue at St. Marks Avenue
On view Saturday, June 16-Sunday, August 26
Free with admission: $7.50
A two-part exhibit: Nine works of art created by Ugandan children battling war, disease and poverty will be displayed as part of an exhibit from Humble Place and School, a nonprofit working in the country. Visitors can also check out the Juneteenth History Quilt, a mixed media collage that will eventually join the African-American History Quilts collection.
Juneteenth Celebration – Harlem
The Studio Museum in Harlem, 144 West 125th Street between Adam Clayton Powell Jr. and Malcolm X Boulevards
Sunday, June 17 noon-4pm
FREE
Drop by the museum's annual Emancipation Day celebration to enjoy music, art projects, kid-friendly tours of the galleries, face painting and prizes. The last time we went, my son made himself a rather stylish Juneteenth hat out of construction paper.
Juneteenth 2012 "Freedom Day" Celebration – Prospect Park
Long Meadow
Tuesday, June 19 at 11am
FREE
Families of all backgrounds can come together at this massive cookout sponsored by Kool Kids Entertainment in honor of freedom, unity and progress.
Freedom Strut – Prospect Park
Lefferts Historic House, inside the Willink entrance at the intersection of Ocean and Flatbush Avenues and Empire Boulevard
Sunday, July 1 1-4pm
FREE
Juneteenth celebrates emancipation in Texas, but slavery was abolished in New York State on (appropriately enough) July 4, 1827. To commemorate the occasion, kids can hear stories about the struggle for African-American freedom, make their own Emancipation Day buttons, and strut proudly—just like free men, women and children did back then!
Find out about other ways to celebrate African-American culture all year round in NYC.
