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).
Friday June 19th Juneteenth Events
- Juneteenth Unity Press Conference (11am / Local News Stations / Community Partners)
- The Hate You Give Virtual Discussion (7pm / Zoom: 303 557 3854 / @theletregeg
- Unity Glow Bike Ride (6-7pm / 3817 Florida St. / $30 per bike / Geaux Ride)
- Millennial Park Juneteenth Block Party (6-8pm / 3817 Florida St. / Food, Family & Music)
- KAWD Juneteenth Day Celebration (6-10pm /4242 Government / Art, Music & Poetry)
Saturday June 20th Juneteenth Events
- Inaugural Unified *Social Distance* Juneteenth Caravan
- Caravan Line Up: 10:30am /1702 Foss St. (Memorial Stadium)
- Baton Rouge African American Museum, CADAV, & State Rep Denise Marcelle
- Louisiana Suit Up March
- 10 am / 100 North Blvd. (Old State Capitol)
- Juneteenth Unity Downtown Festival
- 3-9pm / 200 North Blvd / Bring a blanket
- BR For The People & The Renaissance Louisiana Council of Collegiate Leadership
