Though the Emancipation Proclamation freed slaves in 1863, it would be years before news made its way down south and many heard of their freedom. Juneteenth (June Nineteenth) is a holiday that celebrates the true freeing of the slaves and is remembered in Baton Rouge through a weekend of liberation, celebration and reflection. The late Sadie Roberts-Joseph, who ran the Baton Rouge African American Museum, led many of Baton Rouge's Juneteenth events and now her family is carrying on her traditions and memory by helping to organize this year's activities. Read details on the weekend's many events below and then make plans to visit Baton Rouge's newly-reopened African American Museum (formerly Odell S. Williams Then & Now Museum of African American History).
Imagination Leads presents a Weeklong Commemoration Celebration with virtual activities for children of color
- Monday, June 14, 2021: Virtual mentorship panel
- Wednesday, June 16, 2021: Virtual HBCU workshop
- Friday, June 18, 2021: Juneteenth Speaker Series Event featuring Tiffany Cross (Ticketed event)
Old South Baton Rouge Juneteenth Art & Culture Festival
- Saturday, June 19, 2021: Community Breakfast
- Saturday, June 19, 2021: Landmark Designation
- Saturday, June 19, 2021: Street Festival/Pop Up Market
- Saturday, June 12, 2021, 9:30 AM-1:30 PM
- Scotlandville Parkway, 3200 Harding Blvd, Baton Rouge, LA 70813
- Activities will include community vendors, food, games, music and more.
Juneteenth Festival: Celebration of Freedom
- Presented by the Metaphysical Studio
- Saturday, June 19, 2021, 12 PM
- 1995 Dallas Drive, Baton Rouge, LA 70806
Juneteenth Block Party Pop up Shop
- Saturday, June 19, 2021, 2 PM -6PM
- K Villa Event Center, 6308 Quinn Dr., Baton Rouge, LA 70817
- Activities will include shopping, music, and food.
Scotland Saturdays: Juneteenth Edition
- Saturday, June 19, 2021, 11 AM-3PM
- 8418 Scotland Ave., Baton Rouge, LA
- There will be speakers, performances, music, and vaccinations given.
Scotlandville Magnet High PAC Juneteenth Virtual 5K Run
- Saturday, June 19 2021- Sunday, June 20, 2021; Virtual Start Time: 8AM
- Baton Rouge, LA 70808
- Pick your own 5K route!
Millennial Park Juneteenth Block Party
- Saturday, June 19, 2021
- 3817 Florida Boulevard, Baton Rouge, LA 70806
- All day
- Saturday, June 19, 2021, 12 PM- 4PM
- Gus Young Park, 4200 Gus Young Ave, Baton Rouge, LA 70802
- Enjoy free crawfish and live music. You can also get vaccinated for COVID-19 at this free event.
Have a Juneteenth event that should be added? Submit your event and we'll be sure to add the information to our blog!
